diff --git a/start.sh b/start.sh
index 454ff1d..f979313 100755
--- a/start.sh
+++ b/start.sh
@@ -10,6 +10,12 @@ run_program ()
   pidfile=$2
   logfile=$3
 
+  if [ -e "$pidfile" ]
+  then
+    echo "$nodefile is already running. Run 'npm stop' if you wish to restart."
+    return 0
+  fi
+
   nohup node $nodefile >> $logfile 2>&1 &
   PID=$!
   if [ $? -eq 0 ]