East Valley : Gas Co. Expands Test of Quake Safety Valve

Southern California Gas Co. customers in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys can buy an automatic earthquake shut-off valve as part of an expanded market test of the company’s Seismic Services Program.

The market test began on the second anniversary of the Northridge earthquake and will end March 31, said Gas Co. spokeswoman Vicki Cho Estrada. A pilot test has been underway in Canoga Park since October.

Under the program, customers pay $275 for the valve, installation and a safety kit, Estrada said. The kit includes a video, tools and instructions needed to restore natural gas after the earthquake valve is triggered. Additional fees, such as taxes, permit and possibly processing costs, would be added depending on local requirements, she said.

The valve is designed to shut gas lines off in the event of an earthquake measuring 5.2 or greater, but it can’t be guaranteed, Estrada said. It depends on the home’s proximity to the epicenter of the quake, she said.

The San Fernando Valley communities included in the expanded market test are Van Nuys, Panorama City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, North Hills and Mission Hills. In the Santa Clarita Valley, the areas are Stevenson Ranch and the city of Santa Clarita.

For information, call (800) 427-4400.