Winter Propane Safety Tips
If you use propane gas to power your home, you know it has one of the best safety records of any household fuel source. But as is the case with any fuel, you have to know how to use propane properly to enjoy its many benefits – and that includes knowing what to do to keep you safe if the unexpected happens.
With that in mind, here are five propane safety reminders for the cold weather months in your southeastern Massachusetts or northern Rhode Island home:
- Get re-acquainted with your propane tank – Review the parts of your propane tank in advance of oncoming severe weather. Learn how to turn off the supply of gas to your home from the propane tank, and teach everyone in the house how to do it. If you’re not sure how to do that, contact us. It’s also a good idea to mark your propane tank’s fill valve with a flag to make propane deliveries easier in difficult conditions.
- Teach your family how to identify a propane leak – Remember, a propane tank leak smells like rotten eggs; if you smell one, take action immediately.
- Install CO and propane leak detectors – Following manufacturer’s instructions, install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors on every level of your home. We also strongly suggest installing propane leak detectors to guard against propane odor loss.
- Prepare when severe weather is forecast – If severe New England winter weather is approaching:
- Check your propane levels, making sure you have enough gas to last a week in the event road closures disrupt propane deliveries; If you have a propane whole house generator, be sure to take its fuel use into account if you plan to run it in the event of a power outage.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Clear snow and debris from vents, chimneys, and flues after a storm to reduce the risk of CO poisoning; use a broom rather than a shovel to avoid damaging your equipment.
- Repair damaged equipment quickly – If you suspect that any of your propane equipment has been damaged or isn’t working properly, contact us right away for service and repairs. Remember: if you shut down your gas supply, the law requires you to hire a licensed professional to restart your system.
Stay safe this winter – contact W.H. Riley & Son today if you have any questions about propane safety in your southeastern MA or RI home!