Earthquake Preparation: What To Do If You Smell Gas

An earthquake is the result of a collision between the tectonic plates that lie under the earth’s surface. In earthquake prone areas, this collision occurs along, or near to a fault line. When an earthquake strikes it can have devastating effects which can result in damage to water heaters or broken gas lines. It is important to ensure that every family member is fully prepared for an earthquake and know how to act in an emergency, especially if gas can be smelt. 

Earthquake preparation

Ensure that the earthquake emergency kit is fully stocked. Along with food, water, clothes and medical supplies, an earthquake kit should also contain essential tools including can openers, screwdrivers and wrenches for turning off water and gas supplies. If the home gas supply comes from propane gas, this will need to be secured appropriately before an earthquake is due. The tank will need to be mounted on a concrete pad with all legs secured to the pad and some flexible piping should be woven between the tank, the supply line and the house. Ensure that there are no heavy objects nearby that could fall onto the tank. 

After the earthquake

An earthquake will on average only last 60 seconds. After the earthquake has finished start to carefully assess any damage that has been caused to the house. There may be aftershocks which could occur just minutes after the first quake so when leaving the house or checking for damage, do not stand too close to glass windows or heavy furniture such as book cases. 

Detecting a gas leak

The most obvious way to detect a gas leak is by its smell or if a hissing sound can be heard. When gas is detected this way, open a window and leave the house. Smelling or hearing a gas leak might not be possible in the chaos after an earthquake so other methods will need to be formulated. Rub some soapy water around the gas supply and watch for bubbles appearing. If there are bubbles, there is a leak and the gas will need to be turned off. If the gas leak is coming from the gas meter, do not touch it. Instead, leave the area and call the gas company. 

Turning off the gas

If the gas supply doesn’t have an emergency shut off valve then it will need to be turned off at the mains with a wrench. To do this, turn the shut off valve one-quarter in any direction. When the gas has been turned off, either call the gas company from a neighbor’s house or stand a good distance away to use a cell phone. Do not use a phone or any other type of electrical items when a gas leak has been detected as this could result in an explosion. It will not be possible to return to the house until the leak has been checked and the gas turned back on by a professional. With many house suffering from potential gas leaks, this could take several weeks.