Safety: How to Secure Your Gas Lines Before and After an Earthquake

Earthquakes are unpredictable and potentially devastating, especially when it comes to building infrastructure. One of the most dangerous risks? Natural gas leaks. A ruptured gas line can trigger fires, explosions, and complete structural loss—turning an already dire situation into a catastrophe.

At Risk Assured, we help property owners, businesses, and facility managers prepare for seismic events with expert risk mitigation strategies. In this post, we cover how to secure your gas lines before and after an earthquake—to protect lives, reduce liability, and safeguard property.

Photo by Çağlar Oskay on Unsplash

Why Gas Lines Are So Vulnerable During Earthquakes

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. experiences over 20,000 earthquakes annually, with more than 700 capable of causing real damage. During seismic events, gas lines can easily shift or rupture, creating an invisible yet deadly threat.

Common post-earthquake gas hazards include:

• Leaks near water heaters or furnaces

• Sparks triggering explosions

• Combustible materials igniting

• Delays in emergency response due to infrastructure damage

Before the Earthquake: Gas Safety Preparation Safety Checklist

You can’t prevent an earthquake—but you can reduce the risk of gas-related disasters with proper planning. Follow these safety guidelines to prepare your facility or home:

Know Your System

• Identify your gas meter and manual shutoff valve

• Keep a wrench nearby to manually shut off the gas in an emergency

• Train employees or family members on how to shut it off safely

Install Seismic Shutoff Devices

• Install automatic gas shutoff valves (recommended in seismic zones)

• Use flexible gas piping to reduce the chance of rupture during shaking

Secure Appliances & Connections

• Use flexible connectors for water heaters, dryers, and furnaces

• Strap or anchor tall furniture and water heaters to prevent toppling

• Keep 36 inches of clearance around gas appliances (unless otherwise noted by manufacturer)

Store Safely

• Keep flammable liquids and materials far from any gas-powered equipment

• Never store paint, gasoline, or solvents near utility rooms or appliances

Check Codes

• Review local seismic safety regulations with your Building Department

• Ensure compliance with current bracing and gas safety standards

After the Earthquake: Gas Line Safety Protocol

Once the ground stops shaking, you may only have minutes to act. Knowing what to do can save lives.

Immediate Steps to Take:

1. Check for Gas Leaks

   • If you smell gas or hear hissing, it’s likely a leak.

   • Do not use lighters, electrical switches, or electronics—these can ignite a spark.

2. Shut Off the Gas

   • Manually shut off the gas at the main valve.

   • Evacuate the building immediately.

3. Call for Help

   • Use a cell phone or a neighbor’s phone to call the gas company and fire department from a safe distance.

4. Stay Away

   • Do not re-enter the building until authorities declare it safe.

   • Never turn gas back on yourself—only qualified technicians should restore service.

5. Inspect Nearby Hazards

   • Make sure no flammable liquids or toppled appliances are near gas lines.

Bonus Tip: Earthquake Response Training for Businesses

If you manage a commercial property or employ staff, be sure to:

• Incorporate earthquake response and gas safety into your emergency preparedness plan

• Conduct regular evacuation and gas shutoff drills

• Assign emergency roles and keep safety tools in designated locations

Stay Earthquake-Ready with Risk Assured

Securing your gas lines before and after an earthquake can prevent fires, injuries, and costly damages. A few proactive measures today could protect your entire property tomorrow.

Need help assessing your earthquake risk or creating a disaster preparedness plan?

Contact Risk Assured for customized facility risk assessments, seismic safety audits, and business continuity planning.

FAQ: How to Secure Your Gas Lines Before and After an Earthquake

1) Why is it important to secure gas lines before an earthquake?

Unsecured gas lines can rupture during seismic activity, causing dangerous gas leaks, fires, or explosions. Securing them protects lives, property, and infrastructure while reducing post-quake damage risks.

2) How can homeowners or building managers secure gas lines before an earthquake?

Install flexible gas connectors, seismic gas shut-off valves, and proper pipe supports. Regular inspections by licensed professionals ensure lines remain secure and compliant with local building codes.

3) What is a seismic gas shut-off valve and how does it work?

A seismic gas shut-off valve automatically stops the gas flow when it detects significant ground motion—preventing leaks and reducing the likelihood of fire after an earthquake.

4) How can you detect a gas leak after an earthquake?

Signs include the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs, hissing sounds, dead vegetation, or bubbles in standing water near pipelines. If you suspect a leak, evacuate immediately and contact your utility provider—never turn electrical devices on or off.

5) What should you do if your gas line is damaged after an earthquake?

Shut off the main gas supply (if safe to do so), avoid open flames, and contact emergency services or your gas company. Only a qualified technician should inspect and restore service.

6) How often should gas lines be inspected for safety?

Gas lines should be inspected annually, and always after any major seismic activity, renovation, or installation of new gas-powered equipment.

7) Are seismic shut-off valves required by law?

In many regions—especially high-risk seismic zones like California and the West Coast—local building codes require automatic gas shut-off valves for new or renovated properties.

8) How can businesses minimize gas line risks in earthquake-prone areas?

Commercial facilities should implement earthquake risk assessments, gas line anchoring, and emergency response procedures, including staff training and regular maintenance inspections.

9) What role does professional risk engineering play in gas line safety?

Risk engineers assess infrastructure vulnerabilities, recommend seismic upgrades, and help property owners ensure compliance with safety codes to prevent catastrophic failures.

10) How does Risk Assured help with gas line safety and earthquake preparedness?

Risk Assured provides engineering-grade risk assessments, seismic mitigation planning, and disaster resilience consulting to help property owners secure gas lines and enhance overall safety before and after earthquakes.