Alaska News

Do you smell gas or hear hissing? Here’s how to shut off your gas after an earthquake

According to the Enstar website, after an earthquake, customers should only shut off their gas if they “detect a gas smell or hear the hissing of a leak,” because only a technician will be able to turn the service back on and, especially after a major earthquake, the utility will be inundated re-connecting customers.

[Utilities will work through night to fix widespread gas leaks and outages after 7.0 earthquake]

Steps for Shutting Off the Gas Meter from Enstar:

• Have an 8″-12″ or larger adjustable wrench readily available.

• Find the gas shut-off valve. This is the first fitting on the gas pipe coming up out of the ground near your meter. In the “on” position, the shut-off valve is perpendicular to the ground.

• Turn the shut-off valve 1/4 turn to the left or the right so the valve is parallel with the ground.

“Once the gas is off, leave it off. Contact Customer Service when you are ready to have your gas turned back on. One of our service technicians will come out to check on your heating system, re-light appliances, and turn on your service. This helps ensure that everything is working properly and safely,” the utility says.

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To see the steps in photos, click here.

https://www.enstarnaturalgas.com/safety-education/natural-gas-safety/shutting-off-your-meter/

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