Winter Propane Safety Tips For Your Home

Being aware of propane safety practices is important year-round, but the coldest time of the year brings us specific challenges and potential hazards.

Here are some tips to remain safe as you hunker down in your propane home during the worst of winter.

Avoid Run-outs

As a general rule, you should schedule your next delivery when your tank gauge reads 30%. If you call for your propane, make sure you have enough propane to last for at least a week after the storm ends in case there are road closures.

You can make the rest of winter a lot easier on yourself by checking with your propane supplier to see if they offer automatic delivery service. They’ll be able to schedule your deliveries automatically based on your usage patterns and the weather. This “keep full” service eliminates the hassle of checking your tank level and calling to place an order every time you need more propane.

Safety With Propane After A Storm

• If there’s been a snow storm, clear a path to your propane tank at least one foot wide for your propane deliver driver. Be sure to clear any snow from your propane tank, including from piping, tank regulators, vents, tubes and valves.
• Always clear any snow and ice from your driveway so the propane driver can safely navigate his truck.
• Use a broom (not a shovel) to clear snow from all vents and flues around your house to reduce the risk of toxic carbon monoxide gas backing up into your home.
• If you believe that any of your propane equipment has been damaged, don’t use it and contact your propane service contractor for an inspection.

Check Your Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

Your home should have at least one CO detector on each level—and there should be one outside every bedroom. Once a month, test them, and replace the batteries if necessary. Every five years, replace your CO detectors.

Test Your Generator

Once a month, run your propane generator for about 20 minutes to keep all of the moving parts lubricated. Check to ensure that you have enough fuel to last at least a week. Don’t wait until a power outage to find out your generator is low on propane.

Use Propane Gas Appliances Safely

Never use any outdoor propane appliances—including propane grills—in an enclosed space or inside your home. DO NOT use your propane-fueled stove for heating or for any reason other than its intended purpose.

Leave Your Home If You Smell Gas

If you smell the distinctive rotten-egg odor of propane gas in your home or around your propane tank, get everyone out of the house immediately. Don’t use any electrical switches or phones, and extinguish potential ignition sources like cigarettes or candles. Once you’re safely away, call your propane service provider or 911 for help.

Read more about propane safety.