Natural Gas Safety

Long Beach Utilities Worker at gas meter

When To Turn Off Your Gas

Do not turn off your meter unless you smell natural gas or suspect a gas leak. More importantly, only attempt to shut off your gas when it is SAFE to do so. To learn more about gas leaks, please read below or check out our All In One Natural Gas Safety Handout.

All in One Gas Safety Trifold Image

 

LBUD All In One Natural Gas Safety Handout.pdf(PDF, 245KB)

Spanish LBUD All in One Natural Gas Safety Handout.pdf(PDF, 247KB)

Khmer LBUD All In One Natural Gas Safety Handout.pdf(PDF, 277KB)

 Tagalog LBUD All In One Natural Gas Safety Handout.pdf(PDF, 242KB)

Natural Gas Leaks

Long Beach Utilities operates and maintains natural gas pipelines in the Cities of Long Beach and Signal Hill. Although it is extremely unlikely for a pipeline incident to occur, we are providing you with the following information to assist you in identifying a possible natural gas leak.

Pure natural gas is colorless and odorless. A chemical odorant is added that gives natural gas a distinctive, sulfur-like odor. A faint odor of gas may mean that a burner has been left on, or a pilot light is out. A strong odor means you should leave the home at once and call 911 and Long Beach Utilities. Your gas-burning equipment should be inspected regularly by a qualified service person. Check vents, flue pipes, connections, and chimneys periodically for rust or blockages.

Common ways to detect a natural gas leak:

  • Smell - The presence of an unusual odor similar to rotten eggs.
  • Sound - An unusual noise coming from the ground, similar to a hissing or roaring sound.
  • Sight - Dying vegetation around the pipeline and/or a dust cloud over the ground.
  • Methane Detector - A device that monitors and alerts individuals to the presence of methane gas at hazardous levels. Although methane detectors are not required to be installed by law, consider installing one, especially if your ability to smell, hear, or see a leak is impaired.

Emergency Gas Shut Off

Knowing the location of your main gas service shutoff valve and how to turn it off will help you stay safe in case of an emergency.

  • Know where your gas meter is before an emergency occurs.
  • Have a wrench stored in a specific location where it will be available.
  • If you smell or hear gas escaping after an earthquake or any emergency, turn off your gas at the meter as shown.
  • Use a crescent wrench and give it a quarter turn in either direction so that it runs crosswise on the pipe. The line is now closed.

meter-on-tso03625.jpgmeter-off-tso03625.jpg

Meter On                                                        Meter Off

Contact Long Beach Utilities at (562) 570-5700 to have your gas service restored.

Appliances Gas Shutoff Valve

Most natural gas appliances have gas shutoff valves and are meant to shut off the gas to that appliance only. In some cases, turning off the gas supply to individual appliances is helpful if the leak is directly coming from a product in your home, or it is being replaced or serviced. A gas shutoff valve should be installed for each appliance. To cut off the appliance's gas supply, turn the valve a quarter turn. To learn more about taking care of your natural gas appliances, visit our page Appliance Safety and Maintenance.

Report A Natural Gas Leak

If you suspect a natural gas leak, immediately evacuate the area. From a safe location, call the Long Beach Utilities emergency line at (562) 570-2140 or call 911.

DO NOT light a match, candle, or cigarette.
DO NOT turn on electrical appliances, lights on/off, or use any device that could cause a spark.
DO NOT use a cell phone near the gas odor.

Proposition 65

The State of California's Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, intent is to protect California citizens and the State's drinking water sources from substances known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm, and to inform citizens about exposures to such substances.

Long Beach Utilities would like to help you minimize exposure to substances on the State's list. Here are some things to watch for:

Appliances Services

We will inspect and adjust the pilots on your natural gas appliances and equipment, and show you how to use and maintain your appliances correctly and efficiently. If you have questions about the safe operation of your natural gas appliances, please call (562) 570-5700.

Natural Gas Leaks

Natural gas contains small amounts of substances that are on the State's list. If you are near a natural gas leak, exposure to these substances is possible. If you smell a very strong odor of natural gas, leave the area and, from a safe distance, call us immediately at (562) 570-2140 to report the odor and location.

Natural Gas Combustion

Combustion, including burning natural gas, produces substances on the State's list. To minimize the potential for possible exposure, always operate natural gas equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Facilities And Work Sites

Some equipment and materials, such as paint, welding rods, and gasoline, used by Energy Resources Department at its random work sites throughout Long Beach and Signal Hill, contain substances on the State's list. We handle these items cautiously and in accordance with applicable safety standards. Nonetheless, exposure to substances on the State's list, including tobacco smoke, is possible at any of these work sites.

For a complete State of California Proposition 65 list, visit OEHHA at: oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65

Natural Gas Safety Handout(PDF, 245KB)

Spanish Natural Gas Safety Handout(PDF, 247KB)

Khmer Natural Gas Safety Handout(PDF, 277KB)

Tagalog Natural Gas Safety Handout(PDF, 242KB)

Natural Gas Appliance Maintenance

Carbon Monoxide Safety
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