Propane

Propane Safety in High Snowfall Areas

  • Keep Your Family Safe

    This module provides basic information about propane safety if you live in a high snowfall area. While you can’t predict a snowstorm or hazardous weather condition, you can still plan for them. Following these instructions will help ensure the safety of you and your family.

    Click the Next button to move to the next screen.

  • Before we begin, let’s review a few safety reminders on the next three slides.

    Important Things to Know About Propane

    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.

  • 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.

  • Get to Know Your Propane System

    Be sure to know where your gas supply valve is located in the event of an emergency. Also, be able to locate the following:

    • Regulators
    • Meter, if present
    • Piping

  • Before the First Snowfall

    • Mark your tank and regulators
      • Use a brightly colored stake or flag taller than the anticipated snow depth to mark your tank.
      • Mark your secondary pressure regulator or meter as well.
      • Check with local ordinances about the rules for marking tanks and regulators and abide by their jurisdiction.
    • Have an adequate supply of propane in your tank
      • Establish a regular delivery schedule with your propane retailer.
      • Designate an area to pile any accumulation of snow safely away from propane equipment.

  • Before the First Snowfall

    Talk to your contractors

    • Talk to your contractors
      • Make sure your snow removal service knows the location of your propane equipment.
      • Instruct your snow removal service to NEVER shovel snow from the roof onto your propane system
    • Consider contacting your propane retailer regarding snow protection over your regulator to prevent snow and ice damage.

  • Take Action During a Snowstorm

    • Keep snow and ice from accumulating on propane equipment
      • Gently brush away snow or ice that has accumulated around the tank, meter, regulator, and piping with a broom or hand.
      • NEVER attempt to remove snow or ice by kicking or hitting the equipment.
      • Contact your propane retailer if there is any snow or ice that cannot be removed easily.
    • Be alert to snow buildup on rooftops and other areas
      • Frequently check if snow has fallen onto your propane system from the roof.

  • After a Snowstorm

    • Make sure vents are clear
      • Remove snow and ice from all appliance vents and chimney flues.
    • Clear driveways and pathways to propane tanks
      • Free up at least a 10-foot-wide path in the snow for a propane delivery truck.
      • Avoid pushing or piling snow around your tank, meter, regulator, or piping.

  • Tips for Vacation Homes or Rental Properties

    • Designate a responsible person or party to monitor your propane system regularly while you’re away.
    • Make sure to:
      • Show the locations of all tanks, pipes, regulators, and other parts of your propane system and emphasize the importance of keeping them clear.
      • Give instructions to regularly and carefully clear snow and ice away from all equipment.
    • Prepare a diagram of the system on your property and make it available to the homeowners’ association, property management company, and all contractors working on the property.

  • Additional Tips for Vacation Homes or Rental Properties

    • When you return to your home, carefully examine the propane system for evidence of damage from snow and ice.
    • Be especially attentive to any propane odor, both inside or outside the home. If you smell gas, take immediate action.

  • What Have You Learned?

    Choose the correct answer.

    Before the first snowfall you should:

  • What Have You Learned?

    Choose the correct answer.

    What should you use to clear snow and ice off of your propane equipment?

  • What Have You Learned?

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

    True False
    If you’re renting out or leaving your property for an extended period of time, a responsible party should know where ALL propane equipment is located.
    After the snowstorm you should make sure all appliance vents and chimney flues are clear.
    Free up at least a 5-foot-wide path in the snow for a propane delivery truck.
    Be sure to check for accumulating snow on the roof because it may fall on your propane equipment.

  • Make Time for Safety

    Thank you for making time for propane safety. To learn more, visit: propane.com

  • Thank you for completing the e-Learning Module: Propane Safety in High Snowfall Areas

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