Post-Hurricane Safety Tips From Bermuda Gas
“Bermuda Gas Technicians continue to refuel, repair, and reconnect customers as quickly as safe practices allow,” advises Chief Operating Officer & General Manager, Judith Uddin. “Your patience is very much appreciated during this extremely busy time, when emergency calls must take priority.”
Customer Care Representative Marchal Ming on the phone with a customer;
Bermuda Gas said the following tips should help to determine what constitutes a propane gas emergency.
Precautions to take following a major storm
- 1. Check cylinders/tanks and appliances for any signs of structural damage, such as major dents or water saturation;
- 2. Ensure that the gas lines have not become broken or bent;
- 3. Tank regulators, appliance controls and appliances that have been exposed to water, pose a danger;
- 4. Do not attempt any repairs yourself, if these conditions exist. Always leave this to the professionals;
- 5. If you suspect a gas leak, do not turn on a light or use a cell phone – or any power source – in the vicinity.
- 6. Have any appliance or equipment that has been damaged or exposed to water inspected by a propane professional prior to using it.
Tank Maintenance Technician Kunta Armstrong at the wheel of the delivery truck;
Warning signals that may indicate a propane gas leak
- When the smell of gas lasts more than an instant after igniting stove-top burners;
- When the presence of a foul odor persists;
- When you cannot find the reason for the foul odor;
- When you hear a hissing noise near a gas appliance, piping, or tanks and cylinders.
What to do if you suspect a propane gas leak
Treat the situation as an emergency and follow these steps:
- 1. Close all tank and cylinder supply valves, by turning them to the right;
- 2. Leave the building IMMEDIATELY thereafter;
- 3. Use a neighbour’s telephone to call a trained propane professional; the Bermuda Gas Emergency Number to call is 298-6114;
- 4. Put out all cigarettes and any other open flames;
- 5. Do not use electric switches, matches or telephones; [Sparks or flames could cause any gas present to ignite!]
- 6. Let the propane service technician check for the presence of escaped gas;
- 7. The Service professional will repair any leak he finds, pressure check the system, turn on the gas appliances, and relight the pilots on the appliances;
- 8. You should return to your property only when the trained personnel advise that it is safe to do so.
“While propane emergencies are rare, Bermuda Gas takes safety seriously – safety of our staff and our customers – there is nothing more important to me,” sums up Judith Uddin.
