Propane

Earthquake Preparedness

  • Spend a Few Moments for Your Family’s Safety

    This module provides basic information about propane safety and how to keep your family safe during and after an earthquake.

    Click the Next button to move to the next screen.

  • Before we begin, let’s review a few safety reminders on the next three slides.

    Important Things to Know Before an Earthquake

    Know what propane smells like. It has a strong, unpleasant smell like rotten eggs, a skunk's spray, or a dead animal.

    Know how and where to turn off the propane. This includes your outdoor tank and your appliances inside. For help, contact your propane provider.

  • If you smell gas, at any time, inside or outside your home:

    • 1. NO FLAMES OR SPARKS! Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
    • 2. LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY! Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
    • 3. SHUT OFF THE GAS! Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).

  • If you smell gas, at any time, inside or outside your home:

    • Continued
    • 4. REPORT THE LEAK. From a neighbor’s home or other building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you can’t reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.
    • 5. DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA until your propane retailer, emergency responder, or a qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.
    • 6. GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.

  • Important Things to Do Before an Earthquake

    • Know how and where to shut off the outdoor propane supply and indoor propane appliances.
    • Consider anchoring or bracing your propane tank to prevent the tank from moving, sliding, or falling over.
    • Clear the area of any tall or heavy objects that can fall on the tank during an earthquake.
    • Consider installing a seismic gas shutoff valve that will automatically cut the flow of gas to your home.
    • Create an emergency plan and review it with your family.
    • Review propane safety information provided by your propane retailer.

  • What to Do During an Earthquake.

    If you are indoors and you feel the ground shaking:

    • Follow these instructions until the trembling stops.
    • TAKE COVER. Immediately get down on the floor and take cover under a sturdy, stationary object.
    • PROTECT your head and face while holding onto the object.

  • What to Do During an Earthquake.

    If you are outdoors and you feel the ground shaking, be aware of your surroundings.

    • AVOID buildings, trees, power lines, propane tanks, or large stationary objects.
    • DROP DOWN on the ground and protect your head and face.

  • After the Earthquake Has Passed

    Exercise Caution. If safe to do so,

    • DO NOT enter any buildings on your property. If it is dark, use flashlights, not candles.
    • Listen to your local authorities or television and radio stations for information about aftershocks that may occur minutes to days after the initial earthquake.
    • Carefully evaluate the condition of the structures on your property.
    • Clear the area of any tall or heavy objects that can fall on the tank during an earthquake. Check for downed power lines, broken gas lines and tanks, and damaged or blocked chimneys, flue pipes, and vent connectors.

  • After the Earthquake

    Exercise caution.

    • Know how and where to shut off the outdoor propane supply and indoor propane appliances. If you think your propane equipment, piping, or tanks have been impacted in any way, IMMEDIATELY shut off the gas supply, if it’s safe to do so, or call 9-1-1.
    • DO NOT attempt to fix propane equipment, piping, or tanks yourself. Have it inspected by a qualified service technician before using.
    • NEVER use outdoor propane appliances indoors or in enclosed areas. This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death.
    • NEVER use a gas oven or range-top burners to provide space heating.

  • What Have You Learned?

    Read each statement below. Decide if the statement is true or false.

    Before an earthquake, you should:

    True False
    You and your family should know what propane smells like.
    Anchor your propane tank.
    Move small propane cylinders inside the house.
    Clear the area of any tall or heavy objects that could fall on the tank.

  • What Have You Learned?

    Read each statement below. Decide if the statement is true or false.

    During the earthquake, you should:

    True False
    Cover your head and neck for protection.
    Take cover under a sturdy stationary object.
    Avoid tanks, buildings, trees, and power lines if outside.

  • What Have You Learned?

    Read each statement below. Decide if the statement is true or false.

    After an earthquake, you should:

    True False
    If your tank or gas lines are damaged, quickly repair by yourself.
    If your tank or gas lines are damaged, shut-off the gas supply, if safe to do so.
    If the power is out, bring in your outdoor barbecue grill to cook food and heat your home.

  • Make Time for Safety

    Thank you for making time for propane safety. To learn more, visit: propane.com

  • Thank you for completing the e-Learning Module: Earthquake Preparedness

Back to Index