Home & Garden Columns
Quake Tip of the Week
Visited Your Shut-offs Lately?
It’s time to get acquainted with your gas, electric, and water shut-offs. I’m finding in my earthquake consults that, even though most folks know where the cut-offs are, many aren’t sure how to operate one or more of them.
Even worse: In more than half of my consults I discover that the gas valve is “frozen.”
So, here’s the deal:
1. know where gas, electric, and water shut-offs are
2. make sure every capable person in the house knows how to operate them
3. test the gas & water valves (slight movement to make sure they aren’t inoperable)
If valves are frozen, call PG&E (gas) or EBMud (water) and ask that the valve be replaced or repaired: they will take care of the problem with no charge.
Larry Guillot is owner of QuakePrepare, an earthquake consulting, securing, and kit supply service in the east bay. www.quakeprepare.com