How To Be Safe With Propane in Your Home

Protect your home and loved ones with these best practices

Thanks to strong regulations, high propane industry standards and the dedication of propane companies like A.C. Howell, propane has a very strong safety record. However, you do need to know how to keep your propane equipment in good condition, and how to protect yourself if you ever smell gas, whether it’s in your home or anywhere else around gas equipment. Below, we’ll discuss some safety tips, since safety is always our biggest priority.

Don’t play around with safety standards

• Safe propane storage: Never store portable propane tanks or cylinders in a basement or living space. Propane for indoor use, such as heating and cooking, must always be secured by a professional before the gas is turned on.
• Keep propane tanks away from kindling: Even outdoor propane tanks need to be kept clear of debris that could easily catch fire, like weeds, firewood, yard waste, and leaves.
• Make sure propane tanks are in good condition: Report any signs of wear and tear to your propane tank supplier. Inspect for cracking, bubbling, bulging, depressions, rust, condensation, or signs of leaks.
• Never run out of propane: Letting your propane tank get too low puts your pilot light at risk of going out, which can be dangerous. Automatic propane delivery alleviates this possibility. At A.C. Howell, all of our customers get our reliable, safe Automatic Delivery service. We use a state-of-the-art computer system and degree-day calculations to accurately know when you will need a propane delivery, and schedule it promptly. You don’t have to do a thing! It’s truly work-free and worry-free.

What to do if you smell gas

These steps are essential to the safety of people and property and must be taken as soon as you smell gas.

• Put out any sources of ignition like candles or cigarettes.
• Get out of the house IMMEDIATELY.
• Don’t use any light switches, thermostats, telephones or appliances until you are safely out of the house and away from the area where you smell gas.
• If you have safe access to the gas shutoff valve on the propane tank or cylinder, shut it off.
• Once you are a safe distance away, call 911 and A.C. Howell.
• Give emergency personnel and qualified propane service technicians time to check for escaped propane gas and do any repairs.
• Do not go back to the area where the leak was, or try to turn on the propane supply valve, even if you no longer smell gas.
• Have a trained propane service technician repair the leak, carefully inspect all gas appliances and relight all pilots.
• Wait until you have permission from emergency personnel or the service technician before going back.

We can help you learn more about propane safety, with the help of Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) videos! You can find out all about propane safety, with topics, including the safe handling of propane cylinders, the importance of regular propane system inspections by a professional and more!

From Port Jervis to Pine Bush and all around Orange County, A.C. Howell gives our customers the responsive, respectful, and SAFE propane delivery and equipment service they deserve. Become a customer today!