LAKE COUNTY — As September comes to an end, so does National Preparedness Month.
But emergency readiness is a year-round focus for PG&E.
Knowing that preparation can help save lives during disasters, PG&E frequently shares important safety information with its employees, first-responder partners and customers.
Getting ready for natural disasters in advance and knowing what to do after an emergency are important, according to PG&E.
Before a disaster, people should:
– Prepare an emergency plan and conduct a family emergency drill.
– Prepare an evacuation plan for their home. Each room should have at least two ways to escape in case one is blocked. Establish a place where the family can reunite.
– Establish an alternative way to contact others who are not home, such as an out-of-the-area telephone contact.
– Prepare and maintain an emergency preparedness kit with enough supplies to remain self-sufficient for at least three days.
– Know where the gas service shutoff valve is and how to shut off the gas supply. The main shutoff valve is normally near the gas meter and requires use of a 12- to 15-inch adjustable pipe or crescent-type wrench or other suitable tool.
– Know what appliances use gas and where the appliance shutoff valves are.
– Know where the main electric switch is and how to turn off the electric supply.
After an emergency, people should:
– Check for injuries and ensure that everyone is safe.
– Check for damage. Do not use electrical switches, appliances or phones because sparks can ignite gas from broken gas lines or unlit pilots on gas appliances. Do not check for a gas leak with a match or open flame. Once outside and a safe distance away, call 9-1-1 and PG&E at 800-743-5000.
– If gas can be smelled or heard escaping into a home or business, shut off the gas at the appliance valve or the main gas service valve if it can be done safely.
– Once the gas is shut off, do not turn it back on. Contact PG&E or another qualified professional to perform a safety inspection before gas service is restored and the gas appliance pilots are re-lit.
– If the power goes out, turn off all electric appliances to avoid overloading circuits and fire hazards when power is restored. Leave a single lamp to indicate when power returns. Turn other appliances back on one at a time when conditions return to normal.
– During a power outage, use battery-operated flashlights, not candles.
– Treat all downed power lines as if they are energized and dangerous. Stay away from them and call 9-1-1 before notifying PG&E at 800-743-5002.
For more safety information, visit www.pge.com/safetycentral.
