Short answer
If you’re facing a life-threatening situation, call 000.
Gas bottles are built with safety in mind. They’re robust and can withstand harsh conditions. But if you have time and it’s safe, here’s what you can do to prepare your LPG bottles at home for a fire, flood or storm. If you’re a business customer, see Workplace safety with LPG.
Note: Severe weather events can affect LPG deliveries. If your delivery is affected, we’ll post updates in My Account or the Origin app and send an SMS update. Just make sure your contact details are up to date.
Let’s talk you through it
What you can do
Before the weather event
Before the weather event
Turn off all your LPG appliances, including gas cooktops, ovens and hot water systems
Stop the flow of gas by turning the valve on top of your bottles clockwise. (If you have a larger tank, the valve is on the end or the top of the vessel.)
Turn off portable cylinders, like the ones attached to BBQs
Don’t put gas bottles inside a house garage or shed because they could become a hazard for emergency response teams – but do store gas bottles above water levels where it’s safe for you to do
Don't move or disconnect larger, installed cylinders
Never move installed bottles or lay them on their side. Keep LPG cylinders upright and secured to a solid structure and base (this lets pressure vent during extreme changes in temperature)
Make sure there’s nothing around your gas installation that could catch fire in high heat or become airborne in high winds
During the weather event
During the weather event
If you’re facing an emergency or if you smell gas, call 000
Always follow the advice of emergency services and prioritise your personal safety
Never cover a gas bottle with wet material during a fire. It could dry out, catch fire and heat the cylinder
If you experience flooding, don't use your appliances until checked by a registered gas fitter
Never use an outdoor gas appliance (like a BBQ or outdoor heater) indoors
After the weather event
After the weather event
If you’re facing an emergency or if you smell gas, call 000
Don't try to recover gas bottles from floodwaters or from under heavy vegetation
If your gas bottle moved during the flood, don't turn it on
If your property was impacted by a natural disaster, you’ll need to have all gas appliances, bottles, regulators, piping and components checked by a qualified gas fitter before the supply can be turned on again
For post disaster support and for updates about any planned gas deliveries, check My Account or the Origin app or call us on 13 35 74.
Government support to help you recover
You may be eligible for government assistance if you're affected by a declared natural disaster. Find more information at:
Services Australia Natural Disaster Support (Australian Government)
National Emergency Management Agency (Australian Government)
Other support services & useful links
Bureau of Meteorology provides the Australian community with access to weather forecasts, severe weather warnings, observations and more
Disaster Assist has a map of areas that have been declared as natural disasters and provides details on government assistance available
LPG for home: See our LPG safety page
LPG for business: See our Workplace safety with LPG page
Electricity and natural gas: See our emergency page for what to do in extreme weather conditions, floods or bushfires & our power outage FAQ guide for advice on what to do when a power outage affects your home
Experiencing a natural disaster can take a significant emotional and mental toll. You don’t have to deal with this alone – see Services Australia's additional help page, which includes social work services, mental health support and help with health care