Many natural disasters and other emergencies can strike without warning. In addition, after a major incident, there’s a good chance that public safety services will be busy handling emergencies. Your best defense is to be prepared at all times. 

Before an Emergency
Be prepared!

• Know where your gas meter is located and keep a 10" or 12" adjustable wrench with your emergency supplies, or next to your gas valve.
• Even in the case of an earthquake or other emergencies, turn off your gas meter only if you smell gas or hear gas leaking.
• To help prevent your water heater from moving or toppling in an earthquake, strap it firmly to the wall studs in two places -- the upper and lower one-third of the tank -- with heavy bolts and metal tape. Be sure to place the lower strap at least 4 inches above the thermostat controls. Kits are often available at your local hardware store.
• Replace any semi-rigid aluminum or copper gas tubing with approved flexible metal appliance connector.
• Check safety devices, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, to ensure that they are functioning properly.
• Check your furnace and other gas appliances for safe operation. Have a qualified heating contractor make any needed repairs.

Developing an emergency plan and maintaining emergency supplies are also steps necessary for surviving any emergency.