Prepare for Hurricane Season
At the beginning of each hurricane season, you should reacquaint yourself with the safety measures you should take with your utility services. Florida Public Utilities recommends the following procedures and precautions.
Gas Users Storm Safety Guide
When A Hurricane Threatens Leave the gas on. Unless notified by the Company, leave your gas on. Because most gas facilities are located underground, rarely does a hurricane threaten your service. Check yard for loose items. Move or secure items not firmly installed. This includes grills, patio furniture, swings, pool equipment and supplies, even water hose reels. Items such as these can be blown around by hurricane winds causing unnecessary damage to your home, propane tank or gas meter.

If Asked To Evacuate If a hurricane or severe weather is imminent, DO NOT shut off your gas UNLESS you are directed to evacuate your area by civil defense, police or fire officials. This guidance is given to all of Florida Public Utilities’ (FPU) gas customers when severe weather is approaching. If you are directed to evacuate: Natural gas customers (those who receive their gas via underground pipeline) should shut off the gas valve at their meter. Propane customers (those who have tanks or cylinders) should shut off their gas valve located on the tank or cylinder. Before severe weather advances, find out from an FPU representative where your meter or valve is and how to shut it off. After A Hurricane Clean up efforts. Clean-up efforts after previous hurricanes show that more gas lines are broken during clean-up than during the actual storm. Before removing fallen trees call for a FREE utility line location 1-800-432-4770. If you smell gas Immediately evacuate the premises and call your local FPU office. It is important to call from a telephone away from the building where you smell gas. In the case of a gas leak, our first responsibility is to make sure the area is safe. Service will be restored as soon as possible. All FPU personnel carry identification and will, upon request, show their identification before entering your home. If Flooding Occurs If your home or business was flooded and gas appliances were underwater, do not attempt to operate the appliances. Water can cause damage to the internal safety mechanism and create a hazardous condition. Call FPU or a qualified appliance contractor for a safety inspection and to relight the pilot lights on your appliances.

Range Gas ranges with pilot lights require no additional care. Continue to cook as usual. When the electricity is off, surface top burners with electric ignition can be easily lit. Simply: - Light match (preferably a wooden match) - Hold match next to the top burner cap - Then turn the control knob to the “light” or “high” setting. The burner will light and you can adjust the flame. Most ovens and broilers on ranges with electric ignition cannot be used when the power is off. Dryer Most dryers have a safety valve which automatically shut off the flow of gas. In addition, your gas dryer needs electricity to operate. Outdoor Grill A portable grill should either be moved inside or securely tied down outside. A grill with a patio base should either be bolted down or disconnected and brought inside. A grill with a permanent post is usually secure and does not need any additional tie down. The lid of any gas grill remaining outside should be securely tied closed to prevent it from snapping open. Although your grill can be stored indoors, be sure that the propane (LP) cylinders are secured outdoors. DO NOT operate a grill indoors. Water Heaters/Pool and Spa Heaters Most water, pool and spa heaters have a safety valve, which will automatically shut off the flow of gas if the pilot light goes out.