On International ShakeOut Day, PG&E Provides Customers with Tips to Stay Safe During an Earthquake
October 19 2022 - 7:29PM
Business Wire
October 20 is observed as International ShakeOut Day, when
millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills
at work, school, or home. Earthquake safety is especially important
in seismically active regions like California, and Pacific Gas and
Electric Co. (PG&E) is raising awareness around steps that
customers can take to increase safety in the event of an
earthquake.
Earthquake safety starts by being prepared, having an emergency
plan, and according to ShakeOut.org, the most important technique
to protect yourself and your loved ones during any strong seismic
event is to “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” At 10:20 am (local time) on
Oct. 20, 2022, you can join millions of people across the world
practicing earthquake safety by conducting a practice drill.
Stay safe during an earthquake
You can do many things to keep your home and family safe during
a major earthquake. Preparing for such an event is important. Know
what to do before, during and after a disaster. Establish a plan
for your family to help ensure their safety.
- Prepare an emergency plan, and practice the plan. Learn
how to create an emergency plan. Visit PG&E’s Emergency
Preparedness page.
- Ensure that your emergency preparedness kit is
up-to-date. Make sure that your kit allows your family to take
care of themselves for at least three days. A kit that can last up
to one week is ideal. More information can be found on PG&E’s
Emergency Preparedness Kit web page.
- Have your building and appliances inspected to make sure
they can withstand an earthquake. Learn more about structural
safety. Visit Earthquake Safety—Evaluate Your Home.
- Locate your gas service shutoff valve and learn how to turn
off your home’s gas. Gas shutoff includes your main line and
individual appliances. Learn more about shutting off gas. More
information on how to properly turn off natural gas service can be
found at Turn Your Gas Off.
- Avoid turning off your home’s gas without a clear sign that
it is leaking. Depending on how many customers are without gas
service, it may take an extended period of time for PG&E to
turn your gas services back on.
- Locate your main electric switch and learn how to turn off
your electric supply.
Know what to do during an earthquake
- Stay indoors if you are already inside. Take cover under a
sturdy desk or table. Stay away from exterior walls, windows and
masonry structures (such as fireplaces). Also, avoid tall
furniture, hanging pictures and mirrors.
Follow these guidelines to stay safe during an
earthquake:
- Turn off the stove if you’re cooking before you take
cover.
- Stay away from buildings and power lines if you’re
outdoors. Remain in open areas. Also, stay alert for falling
debris.
- Pull your vehicle over to the side of the road if you’re
driving. Move the vehicle out of the path of traffic. Don’t
stop on or under overpasses, bridges or tunnels. Don’t stop near
electrical power lines, light posts, trees or signs. Stay in your
car until the earthquake is over.
Follow these guidelines to stay safe after an earthquake
occurs:
- Make sure everyone around you is safe.
- Inspect your building for damage. If you think that gas
is leaking, don’t use anything electric. The spark can ignite the
gas. Electrical items include switches, appliances and
telephones.
- Evacuate the building if you think a gas line is broken.
Find a phone away from the building and call 9-1-1 immediately,
then call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. Turn off the gas service
shutoff valve typically located near the gas meter, if it’s safe to
do so.
- Evacuate the building if leaking gas starts to burn. Do
not try to put the flame out. Call 9-1-1 immediately and then call
PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. Turn off the gas service shutoff valve
typically located near the gas meter, if it’s safe to do so.
- Avoid turning off your home’s gas without a clear sign that
it is leaking. It may take a long time for PG&E to turn
your gas services back on.
- Check for downed or damaged electric utility lines. Stay
away from downed or damaged power lines and never touch them.
Downed wires can still carry current and can shock, injure or even
kill if touched.
- Check for damaged household electrical wiring. Shut off
the power at the main electric switch if you suspect any damage. If
your power goes out, turn off all electric appliances and unplug
major electric appliances. This action helps prevent possible
damage to the appliances when the power is restored.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E
Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric
utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square
miles in Northern and Central California. For more information,
visit www.pge.com/ and http://www.pge.com/about/newsroom/.
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