Propane

Winter Storm Preparedness

  • Spend a Few Moments for Your Family’s Safety

    This module provides basic information about propane safety and how to keep your family safe during and after a winter storm.

    Click the Next button to move to the next screen.

  • Important Things to Know Before a Winter Storm

    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.

  • Important Things to Do Before a Winter Storm

    • Mark your propane tank location with a flag, pole, or stake that is higher than the average snow cover depth for your area.
    • Make sure you have an adequate supply of propane in your tank. In the event of a storm, roads leading to your home might not be accessible for delivery.
    • Make a list of instructions on how to turn off the electricity, propane, and water.
    • Review propane safety information provided by your propane retailer.

  • Should You Stay or Go?

    If a winter storm threatens your safety, you may have to decide whether or not to leave your home. Listen to a local television or radio station for information and instructions.

    If you decide to stay:

    • Clear snow and ice from around your propane tank.
      If pipes freeze and crack, gas can leak out and create a potential danger.
    • Clear snow and ice away from all outdoor vents, chimneys, and flues. Whenever possible, use a broom instead of a shovel so you won’t damage your propane system.

  • Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

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

  • After the Winter Storm Is Over

    Use caution in the area surrounding your home or farm:

    • 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.
    • Clear heavy snow and ice from regulators, regulator vents, piping, tubing, and valves. Appliance vents, chimneys, and flues must be kept clear of snow and ice so appliances can vent properly.

  • After the Winter Storm Is Over

    Extremely cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze or crack. High winds or falling ice 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.
    • DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO MODIFY OR REPAIR VALVES, REGULATORS, OR OTHER APPLIANCE PARTS.
    • If you suspect any of your propane appliances, equipment, or vehicles have been damaged, or you have turned off your gas supply, DO NOT use until a service technician indicates it is safe.

  • There are three potential hazards in the backyard below. Use your mouse to identify these hazards.

    Click for more information. Move to the next screen once you have identified all three hazards.

  • How would you fix the potential hazards in this backyard?

    Use the objects in the shed. Click and drag them to correct the hazards.

    flag
    shovel
    broom
    Vents must be kept clear of snow and ice to prevent blockage.
    Tanks should be kept clear of snow.
    It is unsafe to use a shovel to clear snow from a propane tank.
    Mark your propane tank with a flag or
    stake that is higher than the snow level.

  • What Have You Learned?

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

    True False
    During a winter storm, you should bring your outdoor propane heater and cylinder indoors to provide additional heat.
    Before a winter storm, you should mark your propane tank with a flag or stake.
    Once the storm starts, you should not go anywhere near your propane tank.
    To turn off your gas, turn the main supply valve counterclockwise.
    If you smell gas, you should immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames.

  • 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: Winter Storm Preparedness

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