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about automatic gas shut-off
The threat presented by an earthquake doesn't end when the ground stops shaking. A serious
earthquake can damage gas mains, creating highly flammable leaks that put people,
possessions and property at risk. Actions as innocuous as opening a screen door, turning on a light,
or generating a static-electric shock
can create a spark and ignite leaking gas, creating a conflagration in seconds. In the
1994 Northridge earthquake, nearly half of all post-quake fires are estimated to have been
caused by leaking gas.
Gas leaks are extremely dangerous, and every precaution should be taken to ensure that
gas is shut off when pipelines are disturbed. Making sure that every family member
knows how to turn off the gas is a good first step, but family members may not be at
home after a quake to turn the gas off manually, leaving your home at risk. An automatic gas
shut-off valve ensures that gas is cut off swiftly and reliably following an event,
definitively preventing gas leaks.
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The Northridge 2000 Automatic Shut-Off Valve uses a simple but effective mechanism to prevent
gas from passing through pipes after an earthquake. Significant shaking dislodges
a carefully positioned stainless-steel ball from its regular position, blocking the flow of gas.
A powerful magnet inside the valve allows you to easily reset the ball, restoring the flow of gas
once pipes have been repaired.
Among many competing shut-off valves, we like Seismic Safety's Northridge Valve because it is
simply, elegantly designed and is extremely easy to reset, even in the worst weather conditions.
The Northridge Valve is also made locally in Wenatchee, Washington.
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Gas fires are a major safety and damage hazard, and they put not only your household but your
entire community at risk. If you use natural gas, an automatic shut-off
valve will greatly increase the security of your family and your home. Call
A-FFIX LLC to have a gas shut-off valve installed or to learn more. Shut-off valves
can also be installed on propane and other gas storage tanks that feed into the home.
E-mail
A-FFIX, or call 866-284-6226.
why should I install an automatic gas shut-off valve?
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Gas fires can be much more destructive to a home than the earthquake itself.
Even if your house has been secured and survives an earthquake intact, post-quake fires
can go on to make it unlivable.
Limited availability and impaired response times of fire-fighting teams
after an earthquake will make post-quake flames even more dangerous than they would
be normally.
The aftermath of an earthquake will be extremely chaotic, and you may not immediately think
to turn off
the gas meter. If you do remember, you may not be at home to turn it off.
Being sure that gas will shut off on its own will remove a significant source of post-
disaster stress.
An earthquake can occur at any time of the day or night. If it strikes
while the family is asleep, a
significant amount of gas may leak into the house before family members are able
to shut off the meter, increasing the risk of fire.
If a serious gas leak occurs, it can be hard to prevent a fire. Everyday appliances that rely
on natural gas to create heat, including water heaters and furnaces, regularly spark as part of their
normal functioning and can easily ignite gas. Using the telephone and other everyday
appliances, even overhead lights, can also create a spark that will ignite the leaked gas.
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Remnants of an LA home after gas fire in Northridge earthquake
Burnt-out remains of a home after Northridge quake
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how does A-FFIX
handle gas shut-off valve installation?
Installing an automatic gas shut-off valve is a fairly simple process that can usually be
completed in several hours during a single morning or afternoon. No prior inspection is required.
A-FFIX LLC charges a flat fee of $295 for both the valve and the installation. In rare
cases in which gas meters are unconventional, additional time may be required and
additional fees may apply. Take this important step towards assuring the safety of your home and
family-- have an automatic gas shut-off valve installed to ensure that your risk of gas fire
is as low as possible.
Contact A-FFIX LLC to learn more about installing an automatic gas shut-off valve.
E-mail
A-FFIX, or call 866-284-6226.
gas shut-off links
Controlling Utilities in a Disaster — A guide to
shutting off utilities after a disaster, put together by Seattle Emergency Management. In PDF
format.
Natural Gas Safety — Puget Sound Energy's guide to safety during gas leaks, as well as
general information on natural gas safety.
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