Appliance Care: Before & After an Earthquake

Pre-Earthquake Appliance Care

• Anchor large appliances to walls.
• Attach child locks to refrigerator doors.
• Check for gas leaks.
  • Use your senses to check for a gas leak. 
  • A hissing sound mat indicates a leak, as would a rotten egg odor. If eitherare detected, immediately open windows and head far outside the home. 
  • Never walk around with a lit match searching for a leak. Flip on electrical switches, use appliances or even use a cell phone — sparks can ignite gas from broken lines.

Post-Earthquake Appliance Care

• Assess damage.
• Turn off all electrical and gas appliances.
• Confirm appliances or electronics are not damaged before plugging them back in.
• Ensure there are no present electrical issues including downed or broken power lines. 
• Know where the gas shutoff valve is located and how to switch it off. 
  • Often located in the basement near the ceiling with a large yellow handle.
  • If you live in an earthquake-prone, consider purchasing earthquake-actuated shut-off valves for individual appliances.
  • Main or street-side valves are turned off using a wrench. Keep the appropriate tool nearby. 
• Remain calm.

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