8 | LIFE IN SOLERA | DECEMBER 2021 | COMMITTEE NEWS
Recognize a Natural Gas Leak
Look: If you see a damaged connection to a natural gas appliance,
dirt/water blowing into the air, a dry patch of grass, fire or an
explosion near a pipeline.
Listen: If you hear unusual sounds like hissing or whistling.
Smell: A distinctive odor is added to make natural gas easy to
recognize.
Locate Your Natural Gas Meter
It's important to know exactly where your natural gas meter is so
you can find it in case of an emergency. In Solera, the gas meter is
located on the side of the house near the front.
NOTE: DO NOT turn off your meter unless you smell natural
gas, hear the sound of gas escaping or see other signs of a leak--and
ONLY if it's safe to do so.
Find the Natural Gas Shut-off Valve
As you face the meter, you'll see a pipe running from the ground
to the meter. There is a shut-off valve running parallel with the pipe,
usually located about three to six inches above the ground. Take a
12-inch or larger adjustable wrench or wrench specifically designed
for the task (see image), and turn the valve a quarter turn in either
direction, until the valve is crosswise to the pipe.
TIP: Keep a 12-inch or larger adjustable wrench with your
emergency supplies, or next to your valve. Do not store the wrench
on the meter or other natural gas piping or related equipment.
CAUTION: If you turn off your natural gas at the meter, leave it off.
Do not turn it back on yourself. Contact SoCal Gas to turn the meter
back on and relight the pilots.
To view a video from SoCal Gas on how to shut off your gas, go to
www.oakready.com/GASMETER.mp4
Solera CERT Cadre
Turning off your gas in an emergency
