SAN FRANCISCO, April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- April 18th marks the 100th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Because science cannot yet predict exactly when or where the next earthquake will occur, Pacific Gas and Electric Company wants to remind customers that preparing homes and families in advance can minimize the disruption of future earthquakes.
Earthquakes are a fact of life in California. When an earthquake or other natural disaster occurs, everything we depend on -- natural gas, electricity, water and emergency services -- may be interrupted.
"PG&E has enhanced its emergency preparation partnerships with communities throughout northern and central California to assist residents be prepared for all types of emergencies," said David Powell, PG&E's public safety program manager. "As we near the anniversary of the 1906 earthquake, we can all benefit from a review of our family emergency safety plans."
PG&E offers the following earthquake safety tips to protect your family and home during and after an earthquake.
Before:
-- Prepare: Have an emergency plan ready and conduct an emergency drill with your family. Make sure children, childcare providers and other family members know your safety procedures. By planning and practicing what to do, you can condition yourself and your family to react correctly when an earthquake or other emergency occurs.
-- Stock-up: Have emergency supplies on hand such as a portable radio with extra batteries, flashlights with fresh batteries, bottled water, a first aid kit, blankets, food, alternative cooking fuel, a minimum two week supply of needed medications, and extra pipe or crescent-type wrenches for turning off gas and water mains if necessary.
-- Educate: Know how and when to turn off electricity, water and gas at the main switch and valves. Securely anchor water heaters and other heavy appliances. Secure tall heavy furniture that could topple. Always store flammable liquids safely away from ignition sources like water heaters, furnaces or stoves.
-- Anticipate: Know the safe spots in each room, like under a sturdy desk or table. Remember to stay away from windows, mirrors, hanging objects and fireplaces.
During:
-- If you are indoors, stay inside. Get under a sturdy desk or table.
-- If you are cooking in the kitchen, turn off the stove and other appliances before you take cover.
-- If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, trees, walls and power lines. Be alert for falling debris!
-- If you are driving, pull to the side of the road and stop. Do not park under overpasses, power lines, light posts, trees or signs. Stay in your car until the earthquake is over.
After:
-- Check for injuries and ensure that everyone is safe.
-- Check for damage. If you smell or hear escaping gas, open windows and doors and get everyone outside. Find a phone away from the building and call PG&E and the fire department immediately. If you are able to safely, shut off the gas valve at the meter. Do not shut off the valve unless you smell or hear gas escaping.
-- Once you shut-off the gas, DO NOT turn it back on. Contact PG&E or another qualified professional to restore gas service to your home and check for gas leaks.
-- If you suspect a gas leak, do not use electrical switches, appliances or telephones, because sparks can ignite gas from broken lines. Do not check for a gas leak with a match or an open flame.
-- If the power goes out, unplug major appliances to prevent possible damage when the power is turned back on.
After a major earthquake, you may not have outside help for at least three days. The best way to be ready is to be educated. Useful emergency preparedness information can be found at the following websites: The American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/), the California Office of Emergency Services (http://www.oes.ca.gov/), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (http://www.fema.gov/), and, of course, PG&E (http://www.pge.com/safety)
This reminder is part of an ongoing effort by PG&E, the Red Cross, the United States Geological Survey and others to enhance emergency preparedness in California.
For more information about Pacific Gas and Electric Company and additional safety tips, please visit our website at http://www.pge.com/safety
