Murrieta sits in an active part of Southern California, close to the Elsinore fault zone. Even moderate shaking can loosen fittings, crack old pipe and shift water heaters. Most damage is easy to miss at first. This checklist walks you through checking for gas, water and sewer leaks after an earthquake, in the right order. If you smell gas, leave first and call from outside. For leak detection after a quake, call (951) 299-3473, 24/7.
What should I check first after an earthquake?
Check for gas first, because it is the most dangerous. If you smell rotten eggs, hear hissing or see a damaged gas line, get everyone outside, leave doors open and do not use switches, phones or flames inside. From a safe place, call 911 and your gas utility. Then check water and sewer lines once the home is safe.
Only shut off the gas at the meter if you smell gas or suspect a leak. Once it is off, the utility must turn it back on and relight pilots, which can take time after a large quake.
