Propane

Spring/Summer Weather Safety

  • Keep Your Family Safe

    This module provides basic information about propane safety during and after storms. Although violent weather can occur at any time of the year, it is most common during the spring and summer months. Following these instructions will help ensure the safety of you and your family.

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  • Spring and summer can be stormy seasons. Be prepared.

    Important things to know:

    Know what propane smells like. It has a strong, unpleasant smell like rotten eggs, a skunk's spray or a dead animal.

    Know how and where to turn off the propane. This includes your outdoor tank and your appliances inside. For help, contact your propane provider.

  • Important Things to Do to Prepare for Storms

    • Make a list of instructions on how to turn off the electricity, propane, and water.
    • Review propane safety information provided by your propane retailer.
    • Create an emergency preparedness plan and review it regularly with your family in order to keep them safe during a storm, power outage, or other emergency.

  • Be Prepared and Be Safe

    If a storm threatens your safety, special actions may be necessary. Listen to local authorities, or television and radio station for information and instructions. If your power goes out, additional care is needed to keep safe.

  • Be Prepared and Be Safe

    • NEVER use a portable generator indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent.
    • NEVER use outdoor propane appliances indoors or in enclosed areas. This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death. These include barbecue grills and portable heaters.
    • NEVER store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent.
    • NEVER use a gas oven or range-top burners to provide space heating.

  • After the Storm Is Over

    Use caution when inspecting your home or farm for damage:

    • Check for downed trees or power lines that can create safety hazards. Report any problems immediately.
    • DO NOT enter any buildings on your property unless it is safe to do so. If it is dark, use flashlights, not candles.
    • NEVER turn on a light switch, use any power source, or inspect your household appliances while standing in water. This can result in electrocution.

  • After the Storm Is Over

    High winds and hail can move, shift, or damage gas lines, tanks, and equipment.

    • Check your propane tank, appliances, chimneys, flue pipes. and vent connectors. If you see any damage or blockages, call your propane company.
    • If you suspect any of your propane appliances, equipment, or vehicles have been under water or damaged, or you have turned off your gas supply, DO NOT use until a service technician indicates it is safe.
    • DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO MODIFY OR REPAIR VALVES, REGULATORS, OR OTHER APPLIANCE PARTS.
    • If you find a propane tank on your property that is not yours – or if your propane tank is dislodged or missing – call your propane company or fire department immediately.

  • If you smell gas, at any time, inside or outside your home:

    • 1. NO FLAMES OR SPARKS! Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
    • 2. LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY! Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
    • 3. SHUT OFF THE GAS! Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).

  • If you smell gas, at any time, inside or outside your home:

    • Continued
    • 4. REPORT THE LEAK. From a neighbor’s home or other building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you can’t reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.
    • 5. DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA until your propane retailer, emergency responder, or a qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.
    • 6. GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.

  • Identifying Dangerous Situations

    Use your mouse to identify the four potential hazards in this picture. Click on the hazard to learn more.

    Downed power lines can create a major safety hazard.
    Water can damage propane appliances. NEVER turn on a light switch, use a power source, or inspect appliances while standing in water. DO NOT operate appliances until your system has been inspected by a qualified service technician.
    High winds, a tornado, or a flood can cause a large propane tank to become dislodged from its service line.
    Portable generators should never be used indoors or in an enclosed area. This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death.

  • What Have You Learned?

    Read each statement below. Decide if the statement is true or false.

    True False
    Installing carbon monoxide and propane gas detectors is a good way to help prepare for spring and summer storms.
    If a storm knocks out your power, you should bring your portable generator into the garage to operate.
    Propane has a strong and unpleasant odor, similar to a skunk’s spray.
    After a storm, you should never turn on a light switch while standing in water.
    If your propane tank becomes dislodged from its service line during a storm, you should get a friend to help you reconnect it.

  • Make Time for Safety

    Thank you for making time for propane safety. To learn more, download our brochure ‘Propane Safety for You and Your Family’ or visit: propane.com

  • Thank you for completing the e-Learning Module: Spring/Summer Weather Safety

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