Winter Safety Tips for Your Propane-Powered Home
Posted: January 4, 2017
Propane heating systems are a safe and effective way to keep you comfortable all winter long. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be knowledgeable about what could happen in your home – or ready to act during an emergency if it arises.
Here are 8 propane safety tips for the winter months ahead:
- Know – and teach your family – how to shut off your propane supply at the source (near your tank). If you’re not sure how to do that, contact us. Your family should also know how to turn off the electricity and water in your house.
- Teach your family how to recognize the rotten egg smell of a propane leak – and what they need to do if they smell it.
- NEVER use outdoor propane equipment (grills, portable generators, etc.) inside, and never store or place propane cylinders indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent.
- Install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home, following the manufacturer’s instructions about location and maintenance. Know how to spot the symptoms of CO poisoning, and what to do if someone experiences them.
- If severe weather is forecast.
- Before the storm, make sure you have enough propane to last for at least a week after the storm ends in case there are road blockages or closures.
- During a storm, listen to your local authorities for instructions on the appropriate course of action to take.
- After a storm, clear snow and debris from vents, chimneys, and flues to reduce the risk of CO poisoning. Use a broom – not a shovel – to avoid damaging fragile system parts.
- If you suspect that any of your propane appliances or heating system has been damaged, contact us immediately for an inspection. Remember, if you shut down your gas supply, the law requires you to contact a licensed professional to restart you system.
Have any propane safety questions or concerns? Let us know – we’re here to keep your family safe and comfortable all year round!
