Propane

Running Out of Gas

  • Spend a Few Moments for Your Family’s Safety

    This module provides basic information about the safe operation of your propane system. Following these instructions will help ensure the safety of you and your family.

    Click the Next button to move to the next screen.

  • Don't Run Out of Gas!

    Serious safety hazards, including a fire or an explosion, can result.

    Why is running out of gas dangerous?

    • Air and moisture could get into an empty or depleted storage tank. This can cause rust build-up inside the tank. Rust can decrease the concentration of the odor of propane, making it harder to smell.
    • If your propane tank runs out of gas, any pilot lights on your appliances will go out. This can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly.

  • Don't Run Out of Gas!
     

    If you do:

    A LEAK CHECK IS REQUIRED

    In many states, a propane retailer or a qualified service technician must perform a leak check of your propane system before turning the gas back on.

    Set Up Regular Delivery to Ensure That You Have Enough Gas

     

    Establish a regular delivery schedule with your propane retailer. Also, periodically check the fuel gauge on your propane tank. If the fuel level drops below 20%, call your propane retailer.

  • Be Prepared If a Major Storm Is Approaching

    During and after a major weather event (such as a hurricane or winter storm), propane and other types of fuel may not be readily available and roads leading to your home or farm might not be accessible for delivery.

    Make sure you have an adequate supply of propane in your tank if a major storm is predicted in your area.

  • What does propane smell like?

    Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal. Propane manufacturers add this smell to help alert customers to propane leaks.

    Make sure everyone in your family can recognize the smell of propane.

  • Can you smell it?

    Some people may have difficulty smelling propane. For example, some older people have a less sensitive sense of smell. Certain medical conditions, or the effects of medication, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs can make it more difficult to smell propane.

    Consider purchasing a propane gas detector as an additional measure of security.

    Odor loss is an unintentional reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane. This makes it more difficult to smell.

    Although rare, this can be caused by the presence of rust on the inside walls of the tank or cylinder. This can happen when air and moisture get inside an empty tank or cylinder that has its valve open.

  • 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.

  • What Have You Learned?

    Choose the correct answer.

    Which of the following are possible if your tank runs out of propane?

  • What Have You Learned?

    Choose the correct answer.

    What should you do if you run out of gas?

  • 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: Running Out of Gas

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