Larry Guillot, Author at QuakePrepare

QuakeTip: Do This To Your Windows

August 25, 2025 by Larry Guillot Leave a Comment

This Is Worth Doing!

Not surprisingly, during a major quake, many windows that are not tempered will shatter. Glass can be projected into a room and cause injuries.

For windows which are non-tempered glass, when anti-shatter adhesive film is applied, the shattering concern is resolved.

3M window films are widely considered to be the best, but you can find others brands. Just Google “anti-shatter window film.” Installing the correct film on your windows will make your house much safer for you and your family. Let me know if you need a professional to install the film.

Be safe. Larry Guillot
QuakePrepare.com
510-292-6571
email: larry@quakeprepare.com

After the Quake Hits – Part 2 of 3

August 7, 2025 by Larry Guillot Leave a Comment

Take Note of These:

1. Use outdoor charcoal or propane grills for cooking. Do not bring these items indoors. Fumes can be deadly.

2. Do not use your telephone except for genuine emergency calls. Have an out of state contact person you can call or text – if cell lines are working. Land lines go down first. Some cells will be working,

3. If you have a chimney, check for cracks and damage, especially in the attic and at roof line. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire or collapse in aftershocks. (Bonus hint: never waste $$ to have a chimney “braced.” Totally unreliable and can cause additional damage.

4. Tune-in to local radio stations for information and danger reports.

Stay safe.

Larry Guillot
QuakePrepare.com
510-292-6571
email: larry@quakeprepare.com

After the Quake Hits – Critical Stuff

August 6, 2025 by Larry Guillot Leave a Comment

(1st of 3 on this topic)

After a major quake, these things become very important:

1. Check for injuries to your family and your surrounding neighbors.

2. Use the crowbar you should have under your bed to pry open any doors that are stuck shut.Check for fires or fire hazards.

3. If you DON’T have an automatic gas shut-off valve, go around your house near gas appliances and smell for gas. If you smell gas, do not light any matches. Open windows, go out and turn your gas off at the PG&E manual shut-off (yellow & red arrows in photo). Check it NOW to make sure it’s not “frozen” and inoperable. If you don’t smell gas, do not turn your gas off. You do NOT have to call PG&E to turn your gas back on, but you will have to light any gas pilots.

4. Wear shoes to avoid broken glass cutting your feet.

5. If water pipes are broken, shut off the main valve which brings water into the house.

6. If there is a short circuit, turn off the electricity at the meter box.

7. Check to see that sewage lines are intact before continued flushing of toilets.

8. If power is off, check your fridge and freezer and plan meals to use up foods which will spoil quickly.

Stay safe.

Larry Guillot
QuakePrepare.com
510-292-6571
email: larry@quakeprepare.com

More PG&E Misinformation

June 24, 2025 by Larry Guillot Leave a Comment

Is PG&E Installing Automatic Gas Shutoff Valves?

I’ve heard a number of times from folks who have been told by PG&E employees that they are installing automatic gas shutoff valves, implying that there is no need for individual shutoff valves at your residence.

The truth, from PG&E itself, is that they have installed 235 remote automatic gas shutoff valves which have to be activated remotely in San Ramon. They brag that two years ago they were able to shut down a major gas supply line in 10 minutes. If this is the best they can do, your house could already be on fire before they shut down the supply.

They also tout the fact that they have installed 14 automatic shutoff valves where transmission pipelines cross major fault lines. According to PG&E, “The valves automatically close if there is a possible pipeline rupture.” NOT ENOUGH! They should close when a major quake happens, not just a pipeline rupture. Wow, what great protection to the huge bay area!

We have now installed over 4,800 automatic gas shutoff valves in the bay area at the best price anywhere (usually $315 to $345, depending). Of course you have one, but why not get everyone in your neighborhood to do the same? Family? Friends?

Larry Guillot
QuakePrepare.com
510-292-6571
email: larry@quakeprepare.com

Some No-Nos In a Big Quake

June 14, 2025 by Larry Guillot Leave a Comment

Don’t Even THINK About Doing These

1. “I’ve got to get out of here!” Probably the worst thing you can do when a major quake hits: try and run out of the house or building. This is almost everyone’s instinctive reaction, but you must resist it. This is one way many people get hurt in a quake. You can fall and injure yourself or, if it’s an office building, glass, brick, etc. can fall and hit you. Many people have died like this.

2. If you’re in bed, don’t get out of bed until the shaking stops (unless there is a unsecured bookcase that could fall on you or if you have a ceiling fan – just slide off to the floor). Cover your head with a pillow.

3. Don’t stand in a doorway – they are no stronger than any other place in a building and could slam up against you.

4. Don’t use elevators.

5. If you’re driving, don’t stop under overpasses, on or under bridges, or near buildings. Pull off the road when you can and stay in your car.

6. Don’t assume you can turn your gas off manually after a big quake if you smell gas. You could be away from home for just a few minutes and end up with your house burning down. Everyone should have an automatic gas shutoff valve. QuakePrepare has a little experience with this – we’ve installed over 4,800.

Larry Guillot
QuakePrepare.com
510-292-6571
email: larry@quakeprepare.com

Site by: Dawud Miracle, Business Coach & WordPress Websites · Powered by: Genesis · Hosted by: Website Habitat