Where is your main gas shutoff valve?

One style of shutoff valve

That's what Ed and Elaine Reilly had to find out when they needed to shut off the gas for a fireplace repair.

When the serviceman could not find a shutoff valve inside or outside, Ed called National Grid. Their serviceman conducted a search to find out where the exterior valve was located.

Turns out it was under a few feet of snow AND four inches or so of garden mulch. In a gas emergency, that could have presented a very real danger.

It appears as mulch is added to our landscaping each year, in at least some cases the shutoff valves are being buried. As soon as is practical, we suggest checking to find out where your valve is located, and keeping access to it clear.