Propane Safety Reminders: Fall And Winter Severe Weather

Written on: November 4, 2019

Power outages due to severe weather are more than twice as common as they were just a decade ago, and their consequences can range from inconvenient to dangerous or even life threatening if someone living with you relies on home medical equipment.
The milder “shoulder” season of early fall is a good time to review severe weather prep and response plans for your propane-powered Pennsylvania home.

Propane safety reminders to review with your family:

• During a severe weather event, always listen to local authorities; if you must evacuate your property, use caution when returning.
• Create an emergency plan and review it with your family. Post a list with our contact information plus numbers for emergency services, along with instructions for turning off propane, electricity, and water.
• If you have an aboveground propane tank, make sure it is securely anchored, particularly if you are in a flood- or high-wind prone area.
• Keep enough gas in your propane tank to last at least a week in the event of road closures. If you have a propane generator, take it for a test run during the fall and make sure it has enough gas to get you through at least a week-long power outage. Schedule a propane delivery in advance of severe weather to avoid crowds and delays.
• Remind your family what a propane leak smells like, and what to do if they smell gas.
• If severe weather threatens your safety, shut off your propane gas at the tank if it is safe to do so; do the same for gas supply valves located near individual indoor appliances. If you do not know how to do either of these tasks, contact us for instructions.
• Once severe weather passes, check the area for downed power lines, damaged gas lines, or damage to your propane tanks and appliances. Inspect your propane appliances for damage if it is safe to do so. If the appliances have been damaged, contact us for service immediately.
• NEVER use a match to inspect your propane equipment after an outage.
• NEVER turn on a light switch, use any power source, or inspect your household appliances while standing in water.
• NEVER use outdoor, fuel-burning appliances indoors or in enclosed area. This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly.

Keep your family safe this heating season! If you have any questions about propane safety for severe weather, contact the propane safety pros at Ace-Robbins today.