Tennessee Winter Prep

Your Essential Propane Safety Guide

Winter in Tennessee can keep us on our toes. One week you’re enjoying a mild day in the 50s, and the next you’re waking up to freezing rain, ice-covered roads, or a surprise snowstorm.

These quick swings in weather make it especially important for propane users to stay prepared and stay safe. Whether you live in the mountains of East Tennessee, the rolling farmland of Middle Tennessee, or the flatter stretches of West Tennessee, winter propane safety is something every homeowner should keep top of mind.

Here are simple, practical steps to help you stay safe, warm, and worry-free throughout the coldest months.

Avoid Propane Run-Outs

Running out of propane during a winter cold snap isn’t just inconvenient, it can also be dangerous. When a tank runs out completely, a professional must inspect your system for leaks before it can be turned back on. That means delays, service calls, and extra expenses.

A good rule of thumb is to schedule your next delivery when your gauge reads 30%. If you’re a customer who always calls when a delivery is needed, be sure to plan carefully, especially if winter storms are forecasted. Ice and snow can shut down Tennessee roads for days, and you’ll want enough propane to last at least a week after the storm passes.

If you want peace of mind all season long, check with your local propane supplier to see if they offer automatic delivery. Many Tennessee propane companies do. This service tracks your usage and the weather, and schedules deliveries automatically—no tank checking, no phone calls, no stress. It’s one of the easiest ways to avoid run-outs entirely.

Find a propane provider that offers automatic delivery.

After the Storm: Safety Checklist

Once the snow or ice has settled, take a few minutes to ensure your propane system is safe and accessible.

• Clear a path to your tank. Make it at least one foot wide so your delivery driver can reach it safely.
• Brush snow off your tank—including regulators, vents, valves, and piping. Heavy snow and ice can damage equipment or block ventilation.
• Keep your driveway clear. Propane trucks are large and need safe traction to get close enough for delivery.
• Use a broom—not a shovel—around vents and exhaust flues. A metal shovel can cause damage, while a broom removes snow gently.
• If anything looks damaged, don’t use it. Contact your propane service contractor for an inspection. Never try repairs by yourself. Propane equipment requires licensed, experienced professionals.

Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Propane appliances are incredibly safe when properly maintained, but carbon monoxide (CO) issues can arise from blocked vents or malfunctioning equipment—especially after storms.

Your home should have:

• At least one CO detector on each level
• One detector outside every sleeping area

Test them monthly, replace batteries as needed, and replace the detectors themselves every five years.

Test Your Generator Before You Need It

Tennessee power outages often happen during winter storms. Don’t wait until the lights go out to discover your generator won’t start or is low on fuel.

Once a month:

• Run your propane generator for about 20 minutes to keep parts lubricated.
• Check the propane level to ensure you have at least a week’s supply.

Use Propane Appliances Safely

A propane stove or grill might seem like a convenient source of heat during an outage—but using them indoors is extremely dangerous.

• Never use outdoor propane appliances indoors.
• Never use your propane stove for heating.
• Only use each appliance as it was designed to be used.

Leave Immediately if You Smell Gas

Propane has a distinct rotten-egg odor. If you ever smell gas:

1. Leave your home at once.
2. Do not flip switches, use phones, or create sparks.
3. Extinguish cigarettes, candles, or flames.
4. From a safe distance, call your propane provider and 911.

For more detailed safety information, you can watch educational videos on our propane safety page.