Are Gas Leaks More Common During Hurricane Season?

Gas leaks are not necessarily more common during hurricane season, but certain factors, such as fallen trees and flooding, can potentially cause issues with the infrastructure. So in areas prone to flooding or with a high number of trees, residents might have an elevated risk of a gas leak. However, the threat remains relatively low throughout the season, especially if the right precautions are taken, and homeowners or renters remain aware of important signs of gas. 

How to Prepare Your Gas Utilities for a Storm

In most cases, homeowners have to do very little to protect themselves from a gas leak during hurricane season, but here are some ways you can keep yourself safe if you’re worried about your gas utilities. 

Before the Storm Comes

One of the main advantages of natural gas is that it isn’t reliant on electricity. So if a storm comes, you don’t have to turn off your gas, and you have access to your gas appliances even when the power goes out. In fact, we encourage customers not to turn off their gas unless there are any major concerns.

All you should do before a storm hits is locate your gas meter and check its condition. That way, you’re prepared to check it after the storm to compare and see if it sustained any damage. 

During the Storm

During the storm, you’ll want to remain aware of your surroundings and the severity of the weather. If you’re in an evacuation zone, leave your gas service on. In most cases, natural gas service remains operational during storms, as gas lines are located underground and are generally less susceptible to weather-related disruptions.

Many gas appliances have built-in safety features that automatically stop the flow of gas if the pilot light goes out. LANGD will alert you if we decide it’s necessary to turn off your service to protect your home. 

Stay alert for signs of a gas leak, just in case. Some signs include: 

• Smell of rotten eggs or sulfur 
• Hissing or roaring sound near gas appliances
• Bubbling dirt or water puddles outside
• Gas appliances not working properly (e.g., orange or yellow flames on the stove)
• In rare cases, physical symptoms such as headache, breathing issues, or dizziness 

Call 911 if you notice any of these signs and move to a different shelter immediately. In most cases, a damage assessment and restoring the gas line will occur once the storm has passed. 

After the Storm

Once the storm has passed, continue to monitor for signs of a gas leak. Cleanup activities like removing fallen trees, repairing structures, or clearing debris can pose a risk if underground utility lines are present.

Before starting any work that disturbs the ground, call 811 or visit Sunshine811.com to have utility lines located and marked. It’s a simple step that helps prevent damage to gas lines and other buried utilities.

As you clean up, keep gas meters and exposed lines clear of debris and avoid contact with any equipment. If there are no signs of a gas leak and your property has not been impacted, it’s generally safe to resume normal use of your natural gas service.

What Happens if My Home Floods?

If your home floods during a hurricane, you are at a higher risk of a gas leak occurring, and you should treat your appliances as compromised, even if you don’t smell anything. Don’t attempt to use your gas utilities until a LANGD representative or a qualified contractor inspects your home and deems it safe to relight the pilot light.