Brothers out to protect, serve
LINCOLN BLVD. Whether its chasing down murderers, dousing flames that threaten homes or protecting the public from potentially deadly gas leaks, the Padilla brothers have always been willing to serve the community despite the dangers in front of them — and they have no plans on stopping any-time soon.
In fact, the brothers, who grew up together in Ocean Park, have embarked on a business venture they believe will save countless lives and preserve property, all with the simple push of a button.
The brothers — one of whom is a captain in the Santa Monica Fire Department, another a lieutenant in the police force — are proud partners in Affordable Safety Solutions, Inc. (ASSI), the sole manufacturer of the Safe-T-Valve, an invention by Fabian Padilla that automatically shuts off gas to one’s home or apartment in the event of a earthquake of 5.2 in magnitude or higher.
Safety officials estimate that gas pipes near the breaking point at a 5.2-level quake. The Northridge earthquake in 1994, when Santa Monica sustained considerable structural damage, hit 6.7 on the Richter scale.
The valves, which are priced at $85, are easier to install than others on the market. Most of all, they are cheaper than other valves on the market, according to Fabian Padilla, a former Gas Company claims supervisor.
“I have seen firsthand the devastation fires can cause due to gas leaks,” he said at his Lincoln Boulevard office. “I also know that homeowners want to protect their families,pets and homes, whether they are home or not.”
ASSI began distributing the valves last year and is poised to expand with new technology that allows the valve to communicate with smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
Fabian Padilla manages the company with the help of three of his brothers, who currently serve as ASSI’s board of directors.
“It’s definitely a real family business,” said Fabian Padilla, president of ASSI. “But the best part is, we are all experts in the industry. We have expertise in various fields and with that combination, we couldn’t be better situated to do this work. It’s like it was meant to be.”
Following the Northridge earthquake in 1994, many insurance companies and municipalities began mandating the installation of gas shut-off valves to protect against gas leaks. The city of Los Angles was one of the first to enact a gas shut-off valve ordinance in 1998.
The Padilla brothers saw an opportunity to help more people.
“The Safe-T-Valve provides peace of mind for homeowners,” Fabian Padilla said. “If an earthquake hits, your family’s safety is your top priority, not turning off the gas. We’re working hard to make earthquake-prone communities safer.”
The valve can be installed in 20 minutes by a professional, and they are easy to use. All one has to do is push a button and a spring-loaded plug blocks any gas from leaking. Gas can be turned back on simply by turning a lever. No tools are needed. It is the only earthquake-activated gas shut-off valve on the market that does not require leveling or bracing during installation, making the Safe-T-Valve easy to install and less vulnerable to false trips.
It also does not require any additional pipe fittings in most cases, saving the installer time and money, Fabian Padilla said.
“Homeowners will never have to worry about a gas company shut-off or the need for a wrench to shut the gas off,” he said. “If we can save just one life, we have done our jobs.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 22, 2007. Read the original PDF.