Earthquake, typhoon, etc.

First, protect yourself.

When a natural disaster such as an earthquake or typhoon occurs:

1. When an earthquake occurs, first protect yourself.

Take shelter under a table and cover your head with a cushion, magazine, etc.

The gas meter will automatically shut off the gas when there is an earthquake magnitude 5 or greater.

Do not approach flames until any major shaking has subsided.

2. Once the shaking stops, calmly take action.

Turn off gas appliances.

Be sure to switch off any electric appliances you are using. Unplug heating appliances such as irons and hair dryers in particular, as these can easily cause a fire.

Even if an earthquake occurs, electricity will continue to be supplied as long as there is no abnormality in the electrical equipment.
If you should leave your home and evacuate, be sure to turn off the breaker.

» Click here for detailed information on electricity (links to external site).

3. Do not touch the switches for ventilation fans or lights.

If you smell gas, do not for any reason light a flame or touch the switches for ventilation fans or lights.

Close as many gas taps (and the meter tap) as possible, open windows to ventilate the area and contact Tokyo Gas Network immediately.

» When You Smell Gas
(Phone line for reporting gas leaks)

4. After the earthquake, typhoon, or other natural disaster has subsided, make sure it is safe before using gas or electricity.

Before using gas, check the following:

  • Does it smell like gas around the gas appliance?
  • Is there any abnormality to the gas appliance such as deformation or damage?
  • Is there any abnormality to indoor or outdoor air supply/exhaust equipment such as a chimney?
    (Check visually that there is no disconnection, dent, hole, or blockage in the air supply port.)
  • Is the gas connection properly connected?
    (Check visually that the connection has not come off.)

*If you do find an abnormality, please contact the store where you purchased the appliance, the manufacturer, or the gas company for inspection and repair as there is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, or other accident.

*If you are using a gas appliance and your eyes begin to hurt, you feel sick, or you smell an unpleasant odor, stop using it immediately and arrange for repair.

*If an appliance is flooded due to water damage, please refrain from using it and contact the store where you purchased it, the manufacturer, or the gas company to request inspection.

Gas can be used by opening the main tap.

If no gas comes out, this means that the gas meter safety feature has been activated. Check to see if the light is blinking and follow the reset procedure.

» How to Reset Your Gas Meter

Watch this video that summarizes the above.



5. Please follow the cautions below when using gas after flooding from typhoons, etc.

When flooding occurs (due to typhoons, etc.), the size of gas stove flames can become unsteady, and the sound of gas burning can vary significantly. If you notice any of the following changes, please refrain from using gas:

  • Flames are unusually large
  • The sound of gas burning is louder than normal
  • The gas appliance is difficult to light

Note: If a gas appliance has been submerged in water, please refrain from using it. Contact the store of purchase, manufacturer, or gas service to request an inspection.

If an official warning is issued

Even if an official earthquake warning is issued, gas will continue to be supplied to avoid inconvenience to customers. Please use it with care.

Precautions when an official warning is issued

Use as little fire as possible

  • Avoid lighting flames as much as possible.

Remain near flames in use

  • If you have to light a flame, stay near it to be able to quickly extinguish it at any time.
  • Prepare your home by storing as much water as possible in the bathtub and other places and having fire extinguishers on hand.

Close unused gas taps

  • Check to make sure that the taps for unused gas appliances are closed.
  • Check that furniture will not topple or fall.
  • Change into clothing that allows easy movement.

If evacuation is necessary, close as many gas and meter taps as possible

  • Gas meter features will ensure safety in the event of a major earthquake, but close as many gas and meter taps as possible.
Page Top