Utilities

Utility lines may be damaged after an earthquake. Therefore, it is essential to know how to handle gas, hydro, and sanitation lines in order to minimize the risk of further danger.

Dealing with Utilities: Gas

Fire is the second leading cause of destruction following an earthquake, so it is extremely important to know when and how to turn off the gas.

Turn the gas off when:

  • You smell gas. The smell of gas is recognizable by its distinctive “rotten egg” smell.
  • You hear the hissing sound of gas escaping.
  • A gas appliance or water tank has broken loose from its connections or fallen over.

When you smell a natural gas odour under any circumstances:

  • Shut off the main gas supply to your home. To shut-off the main gas valve (normally located at your gas meter on the exterior of your home), use a specially made gas shut off wrench or a designated crescent wrench.
  • Ventilate the building. Natural gas is lighter than air and will dissipate through the open windows and doors.
  • Do not smoke, turn electrical switches on or off, use the phone, or create any other source of ignition.
  • If the gas odour is strong, especially when accompanied by the sound of escaping gas, evacuate the premises IMMEDIATELY.

If your home is not in danger from fire or leaking gas, consider leaving your gas supply turned on.

All pilot lights should be relit by qualified personnel only. It can be dangerous for you to turn the gas supply back on after an earthquake without having inspected the gas piping venting and appliances.

Dealing with Utilities: Hydro

Hydro Power

Assess the extent of the power outage. If the power outage is limited to only your house then:

  • Turn off electrical power at the fuse box or circuit breaker panel. When operating a breaker, always face away from the panel.
  • To turn off, first switch off the main breaker, then the small ones. At the fuse box, first unscrew the fuses, then turn off the main breaker.
  • Then switch off all appliances and tools for three reasons :
    1. Appliances or tools left on will start up automatically upon restoration of service. Turning them off will minimize the risk of injury or fire.
    2. If a power surge follows start-up, it could damage sensitive electronic equipment.
    3. Power can be restored more easily by reducing the load on the electric system.

If power is out in your neighbourhood, turn off all appliances but leave one light switch on so you know when power is restored. When power returns, slowly turn on appliances in this order: furnace, fridge, freezer etc. Too much of a rush on the electrical load could cause it to trip and go out again.

Downed Power Lines

If you see a downed power line, please call BC Hydro with the exact location. Keep back 10 metres (33 feet) from wires or anything in contact with them and warn others of the danger. Always assume that the lines are energized.

Shuffle or Hop – Don’t Step

If your vehicle makes contact with an energized line, remain inside until help arrives. If you must get out due to fire, jump out with your feet together. Then shuffle away, keeping both feet close together. Never contact the ground and your vehicle at the same time. It is safe to call for help from inside your car using your cell phone provided it is not connected to the vehicle systems.

Dealing with Utilities: Sanitation

After an earthquake, you should assume that there could be damage to sewer lines. The sewer line to your home may be intact, but it could be broken three blocks away. If you were to flush your toilet raw sewage could end up in your neighbour’s yard. Some diseases are spread through unsanitary conditions and following an earthquake is no time to become seriously ill.

Creating an Alternate Toilet

Assess the extent of the power outage. If the power outage is limited to only your house then:

  1. Empty the water in your toilet and line with 2 heavy garbage bags.
  2. Purchase a portable emergency toilet.
  3. Utilize a plastic pail with a tight fitting lid.

If using heavy plastic bags – tie bag loosely, and allow it to dry out when it is half full. Store the bag in a tightly covered garbage can away from living areas, nursing mothers and food preparation areas. Once the sanitary sewer system is operational again, you can dispose of the waste into the system.

Solid Waste

It is necessary to separate your liquid and solid waste. Liquid waste is not considered a serious health problem, and can be disposed of in a corner of your yard if necessary. Solid waste, however, is a source of many disease causing bacteria (like cholera) and needs to be disinfected and disposed of properly. To separate, punch holes in one of the garbage bags lining your toilet or use two separate pails.

Disinfectants

Add disinfectant to the waste to help prevent the spread of disease. You can use the following as disinfectants:

  • Packets of portable toilet chemicals
  • Household chlorine bleach
  • Powdered chlorinated lime. (available at most nurseries and gardening supply stores – use caution when using, follow the directions)

Hydrated lime reduces odour, fights bacteria, and dries out waste for easier disposal later. Use liberally, but be careful when using as it can cause skin irritation and dryness. If available, wear a dust mask and rubber gloves.