A gas detection unit capable of automatically communicating event data is provided. The unit includes a housing, a gas detector module mounted in the housing, and a programmable processor configured to retain preselected event data of the gas detector module and to automatically initiate a wireless signal communicating the preselected event data for further transmission to a remote database in response to the detection of an available communication connection. The unit can include a low power radio module configured to transmit a low power radio signal communicating the preselected event data in response to initiation of the wireless signal by the programmable processor.