As if the San Bruno fire earlier this month wasn't reminder enough about the danger of natural gas line fires, the anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake is coming up in October: Twenty-one years since the most recent 'Big One' in the Bay Area.
PG&E is working to stay on top of the repairs they need to make to vulnerable gas lines, and hopefully the odds of the kind of disaster that hit San Bruno will be minimized. What can't be avoided are earthquakes, and as long as there are earthquakes, the concern over ruptured gas lines remains.
You can help to protect your home and family from fire in the event of a gas line rupture in two ways:
- Know where your gas shut-off is and how to turn the gas off.
- Have an earthquake shut-off valve installed.
Besides structural failures, fire from ruptured gas lines is probably the biggest danger during earthquakes. An earthquake valve - or gas shut-off valve - can greatly reduce that danger. So much, in fact, that many insurance companies now require them before writing new policies.
The valve is installed outside on your gas line, near where the line enters your home, and it's on duty whether you're home or not. Triggered automatically by the shaking during an earthquake, the shut-off valve quickly cuts off the supply of gas to the building. The cost of installation varies depending on conditions at your particular property and there are a couple of options to choose from, but it's a pretty straightforward procedure.
Call us with any questions - we'd be happy to give you an estimate. You can reach us at ( 707) 996-8683 or e-mail us at info@nodrips.com.
Be ready for the next one.
:: www.daretoprepare.org
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The valve is installed outside on your gas line, near where the line enters your home, and it's on duty whether you're home or not. Sewer Repair Baltimore MD
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