Actually, I believe that CNN reported at some point that it *was* part of the "Plan" that NO had.
After San Fran 1906, most city disaster plans include turning off the gas system after a disaster until the system integrity can be verified. It's SOP in Dallas, I know that for a fact.
If you can, that is.
If you can't, it is pretty stupid for folks to run around saying you should have done it before the disaster.
I can tell you that the few times I've had to go for days without power, etc due to weather, my gas stove and gas fireplaces were essential survival equipment.