While propane is one of the safest sources of home energy, you can never have too many tips on maintaining propane’s long-running record of safety!
Here are some propane safety tips to share with your household this winter:
- Know how to shut off the propane supply both at the main tank and at each propane appliance. If you’re unsure how to do this, please contact us so that we may assist you!
- Familiarize yourself and anyone else in your home with the smell of propane, which is similar to that of a rotten egg odor or skunk spray, in order to better detect propane leaks. Follow the tips below on what to do if you detect a propane leak!
- Never store propane cylinders in an enclosed area, such as a basement, garage or shed. Store them outdoors, and always in an upright position.
- Install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors on every level in your home, paying particular attention to bedrooms. Maintain them according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- If severe weather is in the forecast, make sure you have enough propane in your tank. We recommend that customers call for a delivery when the tank reads between 20% to 30%.
- If you have a propane-fueled backup generator, be sure to have it serviced at least once a year.
Review these steps with your family, and have a plan of action in case of a propane leak.
- Extinguish all smoking materials and any other open flames or sources of ignition. Everyone should vacate the area.
- Move away without using any electrical switches, appliances, thermostats or telephones.
- Close the gas shutoff valve on the propane tank, if safe to do so.
- Call Woodfin and/or your local fire department from a mobile phone or a neighbor’s telephone after you have left the area.
- Do not re-enter the area until a qualified Woodfin technician or first responder says it is clear.
- Be sure to have a Woodfin technician come and inspect your equipment, to ensure another leak won’t occur when the propane is turned back on.
If you’re a homeowner who relies on propane to fuel their home, we hope you find these tips helpful! And, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding the safety of your propane system.
