Utility Shut-off Information for Condo Buildings

A diagram showing the locations of utility boxes for the condos is on page 4 of this document.
CRITERIA FOR TURNING OFF UTILITIES
NATURAL GAS
Note: Although there are automatic shut-off valves on the gas lines, they are sometimes set off
accidentally by nearby shaking that is not caused by an earthquake (e.g., landscape maintenance). It is
also possible that they may not be activated if earthquake shaking is not strong enough but still causes
damage to the gas lines. Do not rely on the automatic shutoff valves.

WHEN TO TURN OFF YOUR GAS

In an emergency, gas can be turned off at the main gas service shutoff valve; there is one for each
condo building. Turn off the gas only if you smell gas, hear gas escaping, see a broken gas line, or
suspect a gas leak. If you shut off the gas, there may be a considerable delay before PG&E can turn
your service back on.

HOW TO TURN OFF THE GAS

The attached map shows the locations of gas shut-off valves. The HOA has purchased six wrenches.
One wrench is attached to a pipe near the gas valves for each condo building by a thin, stainless-steel
cable. The cable is looped around the wrench at one end and fastened to one of the gas pipes near the
middle of the manifold with a zip-tie at the other end. The cable is long enough to reach the main gas
valve as well as the valve for each unit in a building.

Turn off gas at the large valve on the main supply line above
the pressure regulator. Using the wrench, give the main valve
a quarter turn clockwise. The valve is closed when the tang
(the part of the valve you put the wrench on) is crosswise
(perpendicular) to the pipe. The photo on the right shows the
gas supply line for Building 5, with the main valve marked by a
red arrow. The photo on the next page shows the individual
meters for Building 5. Note that that each building has a
slightly different gas manifold configuration. At Building 2, the
tang on the main valve is the same size as the smaller tangs
on the individual meters.

IMPORTANT: Once you have shut off the gas at the meter, do
not turn it back on yourself. If the gas service shutoff valve is
closed, PG&E or another qualified professional should
perform a safety inspection before the gas service is restored
and appliance pilots are re-lit.

Rose Lane NRG 1 Rev. 7/30/19

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A GAS LEAK
• Alert everyone nearby and leave the area immediately to an upwind location.
• Do not use anything that could be a source of ignition, including cell phones, flashlights, light
switches, matches or vehicles, until you are a safe distance away.
• If you have phone service, call PG&E (1-800-743-5000) to report the leak.

SIGNS OF A NATURAL GAS LEAK

• SMELL: PG&E adds a distinctive, sulfur-like- rotten egg odor so you can detect even small amounts
of natural gas. However, DO NOT rely only on your sense of smell to detect the presence of natural
gas.
• SOUND: Pay attention to hissing, whistling, or roaring sounds coming from underground or from a
gas appliance.
• SIGHT: Be aware of dirt spraying into the air or continual bubbling in a pond or creek.

Note that there may be leaks in transmission or distribution lines. Only PG&E can shut off flow in those
lines.

Rose Lane NRG 2 Rev. 7/30/19

WATER
• If a water leak in a particular building is suspected, shut off water to the building inside the main
water box. These photos show the box for Building 5, closed (left) and open (right). The red arrow
marks the tang.

A purpose-built tool, shown on the left, specifically

for opening the main water valve box and turning
off water, is in the trash room of Building 5. It is
stored behind the hall doorway. Use the narrow
end of the handle to lift the cover of the box. Then
put the fitting on the other end over the tang and
turn it clockwise 90°.

If it is impossible to enter the trash room in Building 5, the wrench

attached to each gas manifold can also be used, with some difficulty, to
turn off the main water valve—see the photo of the packaging to the
right. Use a large screwdriver to remove the cover of the water box.

If you cannot access the water box, there are valves for individual units
in the closet with the water meters; no tools are required for the
individual valves.

If you need to use the wrench other than for turning off the gas, cut the
zip-tie so that the wrench can be removed. Do not cut the stainless-
steel cable. Please replace the wrench using a new zip-tie if you remove
it.

Rose Lane NRG 3 Rev. 7/30/19

ELECTRICITY
• Check for downed or damaged electric utility lines. Stay away from downed or damaged power
lines and never touch them. Downed wires can still carry current and can shock, injure, or even kill
if touched.
• Check for damaged electrical wiring. Shut off the power in the electrical closet if you suspect any
damage. Mark Palmer and Mark Roth each have a key to the electrical closets. Note that if it is safe
to enter the building, residents should unplug electric appliances when the power goes out,
including those for major appliances if you can reach them. This action prevents possible damage
to the appliances from power surges when the power is restored. NRG volunteers will not enter
units to unplug or turn off appliances.

Rose Lane NRG 4 Rev. 7/30/19