Consumer Safety, Dealing with Propane Appliances and More
Safety remains the top priority for everyone in the propane industry. Your propane company wants you to be safe at all times and works hard to share important safety information with you on a regular basis.
If at any time you have safety concerns, rest assured that your propane company is equipped to visit your property and address the situation. To avoid any safety issues arising in the first place, your propane company recommends that you schedule a service visit at least once a year so they can check all your propane tanks and appliances.
A Remarkable Safety Record
You should always keep in mind that propane has a remarkable safety record, due in large part to the stringent codes and regulations developed by the propane industry and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). And close to home, your professional Iowa propane dealer and their staff comply with state regulations that require periodic testing and training. This is all done to ensure your safety.
It is always a good idea to learn more about propane and proper safety procedures. Below you’ll find information about what to do if you smell gas as well as safety modules for “best practices,” courtesy of the Propane Education and Research Council.
What to Do if You Smell Gas
If you think you smell propane in your home, camper, RV or the area around any gas equipment, or if a gas alarm signals the presence of propane, you should IMMEDIATELY follow these suggestions:
- Extinguish all smoking materials and any other open flames or sources of ignition. Everyone should vacate the building, vehicle or area.
- Move away without using any electric switches, appliances, thermostats or telephones.
- If it is safe to do so, close the gas shutoff valve on the propane tank or cylinder.
- Call your propane supplier and/or your local fire department from a mobile phone or a neighbor’s telephone.
- Even if you do not continue to smell propane, do not open or turn on the propane supply valve. Do not re-enter the building, vehicle or area. Let a qualified propane service technician and/or emergency personnel check for escaped propane.
- Have a properly trained propane service technician repair the leak. The propane service technician or emergency responder needs to determine that the leak situation has been fully resolved. The propane service technician should check all of your gas appliances and relight any appliance pilots.
- Return to the building, camper, RV or area only when the service or emergency technician indicates it is safe to do so.
Have more questions about propane safety? Contact your propane company at any time. If it’s an emergency, always call, DO NOT email.
