Propane Safety & Power Outages
Almost any type of weather-related event can cause a power outage, ranging from extreme heat and thunderstorms to snow and ice storms.
Take These Precautions
Keep Propane Company Phone Number Handy
Keep all utility-company phone numbers in easy to find location, including your propane company.
Do Not Let Your Propane Tank Run Dry
If You Run Out of Propane, Call Your Propane Company Immediately
By law, a safety check must be completed by your propane company or qualified technician before you can re-enter the home.
NEVER Use a Stove or Bring Your Gas Grill Indoors to Heat Your Home
Never store, place, or use a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area.
NEVER Use a Portable Generator in Your Home (gasoline, diesel or propane)
Operating a generator in the home can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death.
Keep Outdoor Vents Clear
Keep the Path to Your Propane Tank Clear
Keep your driveway clear of snow or debris for propane trucks to reach your propane tank for your propane delivery.
Use bright colored flags to mark your driveway and propane tank.
Conserve Energy During a Storm
Use less propane by turning down your furnace thermostat a few degrees and close off the vents/doors of unused rooms.
If You Smell “Rotten Eggs”, You Have a Propane Leak
Immediately:
- GO OUTSIDE, AWAY from the home.
- PUT OUT open flames, PUT OUT smoking materials.
- DO NOT OPERATE lights, appliances, telephones or cellphones – to AVOID creating a SPARK.
- TURN OFF the main propane supply valve on your propane tank, but only if it’s safe to do so.
- TO CLOSE THE VALVE, turn the valve to the right, or clockwise.
- CALL your propane company or 911 emergency right away from a neighbor’s house or from another safe area.
- DO NOT RETURN TO YOUR HOME, until your propane company, an emergency responder, or another qualified technician professional says it’s safe.
- By Law, your propane provider/qualified service technician or emergency responder must complete a safety check and and tell you it’s safe to go back into your home.
Create an Emergency Plan
Keep a List of Your Utility Providers Handy
> Propane supplier.
> Natural gas or electric provider.
> Water provider.
INSTALL A UL-LISTED GAS DETECTOR
> Follow the manufacturer’s instructions related to installation, location, and maintenance.
Plan for How to Communicate with People
> Charge your cell phones before a storm hits.
> Keep a battery-powered radio as back up.
If you Sense Danger, Call the Experts
> Call your utility company, fire department and propane supplier.
> If a storm passes through your property, have your utility systems check by a qualified service technician, stay away from downed power lines.
What to do When Hit by a Flood:
- Propane tanks can float in water.
- If your propane tank is dislodged, the piping may disconnect from your system.
- Follow your emergency plan by contacting your propane supplier/utility companies to re-instate and complete a safety check your systems.
