Important Reminders In Recognition Of National Propane Safety Month

You can feel good about using propane in your home! Propane has always had an excellent safety record, due in large part to strict safety standards established by the National Propane Gas Association. Your propane company does its part as well, mailing out information that explains steps to take if you smell gas, as well as topics like propane gas detectors, carbon monoxide safety, general appliance safety tips and more.

Since June is National Propane Safety Month, this a perfect time to review some safety protocols.

What To Do If You Smell Gas

Don’t wait until you smell gas one day to figure out what to do about it in a safe manner. Please note that propane is an odorless gas, but propane manufacturers add an odor to alert homeowners in case of a gas leak. This smell has been compared to rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or even a dead animal. Make sure everyone in your home can recognize the smell. If you are concerned that you or others in your home may have difficulty smelling propane, consider installing one or more propane gas detectors. 

Here’s what to do (and what not to do) if you smell propane in your home or business:

• DO get everyone out of the home and away from nearby areas.
• DO attempt to shut off the valves at the tank if it is safe to do so.
• DO call your propane supplier and the fire department once you are safe location away from the source of the gas leak.
• DO NOT attempt to find the leak.
• DO NOT attempt to repair your appliance or relight your pilot.
• DO NOT turn on or off light switches inside the home.
• DO NOT use a phone inside the home or in nearby areas.
• DO NOT light matches anywhere inside or near the home.
• DO NOT return to the building or area until it is determined to be safe by the responders.

Read more about dealing with gas leaks by going here.

Don’t Neglect Your Propane Appliances

To stay as safe as possible, you should always pay close attention to the operation of your gas appliances. The best way to keep all your propane equipment running properly is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for preventive maintenance. Be sure to consult your owner’s manuals for what’s required. Here are a few issues you need to keep in mind.

• When gas appliances operate properly, propane burns with a blue flame. If you see yellow flames—or notice significant amounts of soot on any equipment–the gas may not be burning completely. This can create carbon monoxide. Contact your propane company or HVAC contractor for service if you notice a yellow flame or soot on your appliances.
• Regularly check the outdoor vents of your appliances to make sure combustion gases flow unobstructed to the outdoors. Insects, birds and small animals have been known to build nests in vent pipes. To prevent any damage, use a broom or a soft brush to gently remove any obstructions you find in your vents.

You can read more safety tips here.