Gas Safety Tips for Hawaii's Hurricane Season

Living in paradise, we sometimes forget the very real threat of hurricanes, especially from June through November each year.

The Gas Company has some advice to help you be prepared for hurricanes:

Before A Hurricane
If a hurricane is approaching the islands, DO NOT shut off your gas UNLESS you are directed to evacuate your area by Civil Defense, police or fire officials. This is standard advice that's given to all The Gas Company's customers when a hurricane is approaching.

If you are directed to evacuate, utility gas customers (those who receive their gas by underground pipeline) should shut off their gas valve at their meter.

Non-utility gas customers (those who have tanks or cylinders) should shut off their gas valve located on their tank or cylinder.

Be sure to find out beforehand whether you are a utility or non-utility customer. Call a The Gas Company representative to find out where your meter or valve is and how to shut it off.

After A Hurricane
After a hurricane has passed, call The Gas Company to have our trained technicians safely turn your gas back on. It's a service we gladly provide for our customers! Our service technicians will also relight your pilot lights and inspect your appliances to make sure they are in proper working condition.

Detecting Gas Leaks
In its natural state, gas is odorless. That's why The Gas Company adds a special odorant to help customers detect even the smallest leaks quickly. With the odorant, customers can detect a mixture of less than one percent of gas in the air!

If a gas pipeline has been broken by a hurricane, you will notice a distinct gas smell. If you smell gas in your home, open all windows to dilute the gas.

Do not operate electrical switches or use telephones. Instead, leave the premises and call The Gas Company from the nearest phone.