Propane is an Essential Part of Earthquake Preparedness

What we learned from the last most recent major earthquake in the Los Angeles area.

Damaged Infrastructure:

Remote roads were left visibly cracked, store ceilings collapsed, and house fires erupted in surrounding communities immediately after the earthquake. Damage caused by the earthquakes was estimated at $1 billion, according to the USGS. More than 4,700 quakes have occurred since Thursday, said USGS geophysicist John Bellini. At least 3,000 quakes above a magnitude 1, according to CalTech seismologist Lucy Jones. The Ridgecrest, CA police chief said authorities were inundated with calls, with fires.


How Propane Can Help:

On-Site re-filling station infrastructure can refill propane containers which can be used to provide energy to various types of equipment. Equipment such as, forklifts, generators, heaters, refrigerators, cooking equipment.

LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER:

About 2,000 customers in Kern County and another 3,000 in San Bernardino and Inyo counties had initially lost power after the earthquake Friday night.


How Propane Can Help:

Propane is a popular fuel for home and stand alone backup generators. A small portable generator that runs on propane can provide power to essential appliances such as refrigerators and freezers.

Food Safety – If the power is out for less than 4 hours, then the food in your refrigerator and freezer will be safe to consume. While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep temperatures from rising. A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours. 24 hours if it is half full. Assuming the doors are kept closed.

LOSS OF NATURAL GAS:

Natural gas piping and appliances can be damaged during earthquakes causing gas leaks- Mark S. Ghilarducci, director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services says there are “significant reports of structures, most as a result of gas leaks or gas line breaks throughout the city.” Kern County Fire Chief David Witt says “multiple injuries and ve house fires were reported in the town of 28,000. Emergency crews were also dealing with small vegetation fires, gas leaks and reports of cracked roads.” There were reports of multiple gas leaks, but PG & E said it was largely able to turn off residential gas lines.


How Propane Can Help:

Propane is a popular home heating fuel alternative to natural gas in areas where natural gas infrastructure is not available. Propane stored in approved containers does not spoil over time. When natural gas is turned off due to natural disaster, propane can be used to cook outdoors via portable camping stoves or other outdoor cooking equipment.

Propane indoor heaters such as Mr. heater Portable Radiant Heater, Portable RV Propane Heater can be safe indoor choices to keep warm during a natural gas shut off event. Do not use an outdoor heater indoors. Carbon Monoxide Detector recommend.

Propane outdoor heaters such as patio heaters, Dyna-Glo tank Top Heaters, Forced Air heaters can be provide heat outdoors.

TEMPORARY SHELTERS:

Mark S. Ghilarducci, director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services said “nearly 200 people were in shelters.” The American Red Cross opened a shelter at Kerr McGee Community Center at 100 W. California., in Ridgecrest. Public information officer Mimi Teller said “the shelter will offer air conditioning, hot showers, sleeping cots and hot meals for up to 500 people for as long as is necessary.”

How Propane Can Help:

Propane can be stored on-site safely and deployed in areas that may not have natural gas. Propane is popular as a outdoor cooking fuel, most commonly found on outdoor grills. Propane bottles can be used in a wide variety of equipment that is essential to temporary shelters. Propane Cook Tops, Propane Stoves, Propane outdoor Instant Hot Water Systems. Larger bulk storage tanks can be directly hooked up to boilers, heaters, and HVAC can be designed to used as a direct alternative to natural gas.

According to US Geological Survey geologist Nicholas van der Elst,“there’s still a 1 in 30 chance that Ridgecrest 7.1 Earthquake isn’t even the biggest to come.”

How Mutual Propane Can Help You:

Mutual Propane stocks a wide variety of propane powered equipment. Refill your propane tanks at one of our 4 Southern California locations. Have your propane equipment re-certified at one of our 4 Southern California locations.

Contact us today by clicking Here.