Propane Safety Tips For Your Iowa Home

Occasionally, you will receive information in the mail from your propane company, explaining what steps to take in the event that you smell gas. These materials will also discuss carbon monoxide safety, propane gas detectors, general appliance safety tips and more. Please read them so you stay as safe as possible!

Reminders For Staying Safe With Propane

With that in mind, here’s a safety refresher.

• Make sure all adults in your household know how to shut off the flow of gas from your propane storage tank. This is a recommended step if you ever smell propane gas—but shut off the valve only if you feel it’s safe to do so. If you are not sure how to turn off the valve, contact your local propane supplier.
• Speaking of gas leaks, remember that a propane leak smells like rotten eggs. While propane is odorless, manufacturers incorporate an odor into it to alert homeowners in case of a gas leak. It’s important to confirm that everyone in the home is able to recognize the smell—and what to do afterward. In the event that you or others in your home may have trouble smelling propane, make plans to install one or more propane gas detectors.
• Never store portable propane cylinders indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent.
• Never use outdoor propane equipment (grills, portable generators, etc.) indoors. Carbon monoxide (CO) from these devices is a dangerous and potentially deadly hazard.
• Test and replace batteries when necessary in all carbon monoxide detectors in your home before winter, following the manufacturer’s instructions regarding maintenance. Know how to spot the symptoms of CO poisoning, and what to do if someone is experiencing them. Make sure your smoke detectors are operating properly also.

What To Do If A Storm Is On The Way

Do the following if severe weather is forecast.

• Make sure you have enough propane to last for at least a week after the storm ends in case there are road blockages or closures.
• Monitor local media and websites for instructions on the appropriate actions to take.

After The Storm, Take These Steps.

• If there’s been a snow storm, clear a path to your propane tank at least one foot wide for propane delivery teams and tank maintenance.
• Use a broom to clear snow from all vents, chimneys, and flues to reduce the risk of CO gas backing up into your home.
• If you believe that any of your propane equipment has been damaged, contact your propane service provider immediately for an inspection. Remember, if you shut down your propane gas supply, you are required to have a pressure test performed by a licensed propane contractor before you can use your propane equipment again.

Read more about what to do if you smell gas as well as other propane safety tips.