Propane Safety Tips for Thunderstorms & Hurricanes

Know How To Keep Your Home and Loved Ones Safe

With plenty of time left in the Atlantic hurricane season, and hot summer weather creating lots of opportunities for thunderstorms, you need to be prepared for the possibility of this bad weather affecting your home.

We’ve put together some important propane safety information and tips, so you feel take care of things in the event of thunderstorm, hurricane, or tropical storm.

Before a Storm

• If a hurricane or tropical storm is in the forecast, prepare for potential evacuation orders. Ready.gov has tips to help you plan.
• Check your propane tank gauge levels. You should have enough propane to last at least a week if there is an impending hurricane or tropical storm. Roads may be blocked or undrivable. Contact us to schedule a delivery.
• Leaking propane can be identified by its rotten-egg smell and should be addressed immediately as leaks can become worse during storms.
• Inspect your gas main and make sure all adults in the home know how to turn off the supply valve. This protects against a damaged tank leaking and igniting.
• Is your propane tank aboveground? Make sure that is securely anchored.

During a Storm

• Keep smartphones and other electronics charged in case the power goes out.
• Pay attention for instructions from local authorities if an evacuation is called for.
• If you need to evacuate, or if the storm threatens your safety, shut off the main gas supply valve as well as the gas supply valves near your propane appliances.
• Stay indoors to avoid being near power lines and other conductive metal objects.
• NEVER use outdoor propane appliances such as grills and portable generators indoors. This can lead to a dangerous and potentially deadly buildup of carbon monoxide in your home.

After a storm

• If safe, go outside and check for downed trees, fallen tree limbs or downed power lines that may impact the safety of your propane tank or gas line. Stay alert of any potential dangers in the area.
• If you suspect that your gas line is damaged, contact Parker Gas immediately. We will inspect and test the equipment to ensure it is working safely.
• If you smell propane gas, get out of the house right away and call 911 and Parker Gas.
• Carefully check your propane appliances for any damage or malfunctions. Don’t use candles when inspecting your equipment because of the risk of ignition in case of a leak.
• If your propane supply has been turned off, a qualified professional must pressure check and restart your system. Never try to perform these repairs yourself.

Have questions about propane safety? Please get in touch with us and we’ll gladly answer them.