Earthquake Safety

Earthquakes are not unusual events in Alaska, so it is essential to be prepared in the event that a large quake strikes:

  • Know the location of all utility shut-off valves (gas, water, and main electric circuit breaker).
  • Be sure your appliances are safely secured, such as using straps that attach your water heater to the wall.
  • Have an 8" - 12" wrench available to turn your gas meter off if necessary. However, do NOT turn off your gas unless you smell gas or hear the hissing of a gas leak.
  • If you do turn the gas off, leave it off. Contact Customer Service when you are ready for the gas to be turned back on and a technician will restore service and relight your appliances. In the hours and days after a major emergency, gas company calls will be backlogged, and you might have a substantial wait for a service technician to be scheduled to restore service to your home.
  • After an earthquake, check to be sure nothing flammable has fallen or spilled near a natural gas appliance.

Detecting a Gas Leak

It's also important to know how to detect a gas leak following an earthquake.

Knowing what to do with your gas meter is only part of natural disaster preparation.  Having a an emergency kit is equally important. The kit should be portable and contain the necessary items to sustain life for the first critical hours and days following a disaster.

Things to Include In the Kit

  • Food with a long shelf life, such as cereal or energy bars
  • Shelter options, such as a tarp or pop-up tent
  • Water
  • Sanitation items
  • Heat and light sources
  • Communications equipment, such as a radio
  • Batteries
  • Critical medicines

In advance of an emergency, make sure to communicate and practice an evacuation plan and designate a meeting spot, should family members become separated.

See your local government pages for more information on natural disaster preparation:

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