In case of an emergency you should know how to turn off the gas in your home from the meter. The following steps will show you how.
Step 1. It is important to know exactly where your gas meter is located (See above image) so that in the event of an emergency, you know how to shut it off.
* DO NOT turn off your meter unless you smell gas, hear the sound of gas escaping or see other signs of a leak.
Step 2. As you face the meter, you will see a pipe running from the ground to the meter. There is a shut-off valve running parallel with the pipe usually located about 6 to 8 inches above the ground.
Take a 12″ adjustable wrench (or larger) and turn the valve 1/4 turn in either direction, until the valve is crosswise to the pipe. (See above diagram)
Keep a 12″ adjustable wrench (or larger) with your emergency supplies, or next to your valve.
Gas Shut-off Valves
For safety, a shut-off valve should be installed at every gas appliance. If a leak occurs at a specific appliance, the valve will permit you to turn off the gas at the appliance rather than shutting off all gas service at the meter. Some valves require a wrench to turn them.
CAUTION: If you turn off your gas at the meter, leave it off. Don’t turn it back on yourself. Contact The Gas Company to turn the meter back on and relight the pilots.
[Tips courtesy of Southern California Gas Company]