April is Earthquake Month. PG
&
amp;E wants to remind its customers of the importance of
earthquake safety.
April is Earthquake Month. PG&E wants to remind its customers of the importance of earthquake safety.
The following tips can help customers prepare for an emergency and respond safely to earthquakes.
Before the next quake:
Prepare: Know how to turn off electricity, water and gas at the main switch and valves. Securely anchor water heaters and other heavy appliances. Secure tall heavy furniture that could topple. Always store flammable liquids safely away from ignition sources like water heaters, furnaces or stoves.
Have emergency supplies on hand such as a portable radio, flashlights with extra batteries, fresh water, a first aid kit, blankets, food, alternative cooking fuel, a minimum two week supply of needed medications and extra pipe or crescent-type wrenches for turning off gas and water mains.
Prepare and conduct an emergency drill with your family. Make sure children, houseguests and childcare providers know your safety procedures. By planning and practicing what to do, you can condition yourself and your family to react correctly when an earthquake or other emergency occurs.
Know the safe spots in each room (under supported archways, against inside walls, under heavy furniture like a desk or table.)
Remember to stay away from windows, mirrors, hanging objects and fireplaces.
During:
If you are indoors, stay inside. Get under a desk or table or stand in a doorway.
If you are cooking in the kitchen, turn off the stove before you take cover.
If you are outdoors, get into the open away from buildings, trees, walls and power lines. Be alert for falling debris!
If you are driving, pull to the side of the road and stop. Do not park under overpasses, power lines, light posts, trees or signs. Stay in your car until the earthquake is over.
After:
Check for injuries and ensure that everyone is safe.
Check for damage. If you smell or hear escaping gas, open windows and doors and get everyone outside. Find a phone away from the building and call PG&E at 1-800-PGE-5000 and the fire department immediately. If you are able to safely, shut off the gas valve at the meter. Do not shut off the valve unless you smell or hear gas escaping.
Once you shut-off the gas, do not turn it on. Contact PG&E or other qualified professional to restore gas service to your home and check for gas leaks. (This may take several days to weeks).
If you suspect a gas leak, do not use electrical switches, appliances or telephones, because sparks can ignite gas from broken lines. Do not check for a gas leak with a match or an open flame.
If the power goes out, unplug major appliances to prevent possible damage when the power is turned back on.
After a major quake, you may not have outside help for at least 72 hours. If you know how to respond during and after an earthquake you’ll be able to stay calmer. Additional information is located in the front of your telephone book, by visiting the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org, or at www.pge.com.
Prepare locally:
Morgan Hill residents can learn how to protect themselves, their families and neighbors by taking disaster training classes given locally. Details: ww********@****ic.com
Details and more tips: www.pge.com/safety
