IF YOU THINK YOU SMELL PROPANE OR METHANE GAS:

--  Evacuate the building immediately.

--  Leave the doors open as you leave.  Do not turn on or off any light switches.

--  If possible, turn propane off at the tank.

--  Call the fire department by dialing 911 from a nearby phone. Do NOT use a cell phone in the        leak area. 

--  Call your propane supplier from a nearby phone.

 

 

WINTER SNOWSTORMS PROMPT SAFETY TIPS FOR PROPANE USERS:

 

Even when electric power outages strike, people who heat their homes and cook with propane gas remain warm and comfortable. However, propane equipment does require proper care before and after a major snowstorm.

 

BEFORE THE STORM:

- Fill your tank early to avoid the winter rush. Ask your propane supplier to familiarize you with your propane equipment, including the location of the regulators and the tank service valve.

- Make sure you have a protective cap or "dome" covering the regulator, relief valves, and fill valves on your propane tank. This dome will keep out snow, ice, or rain which might clog the regulator vent. In systems using more than one regulator, or where the protective cover is not in place, make certain the exposed regulator's vent is in the downward position to keep out moisture. Should snow cover a vent, bend or break the venting, or the regulator, gas fumes could follow lines and become trapped in a home.  This condition could cause potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.

- Mark the location of the propane tank and other equipment with snow stakes, which should extend well above the maximum anticipated snow depth. The snow stakes should be painted a bright color to aid in locating the equipment.

- To ensure that your propane supplier can refill your tank when necessary, keep the tank free of snow and provide a clear pathway for the delivery person. Be sure that driveways are kept accessible for the propane delivery vehicles.

- Check the regulator vents on the propane system to be sure they are free of condensation that could freeze, causing a malfunction.

 

AFTER THE STORM:

-- If a propane tank is buried under several feet of snow, use your shovel carefully when clearing the snow from the tank or around the exposed piping, regulator, gauges, tubing, or other propane equipment.  When clearing your roof, avoid shoveling the snow onto the propane tank or equipment.

-- Check all gas appliance intake and exhaust vents, including clothes dryer, furnace and water heater vents, to be sure snow and/or ice are kept clear of them. An area of four feet, extending in all directions from the vents, should be kept clear to prevent funneling of high winds into the vents.  All propane tanks should be kept free of any snow accumulation and snow clearing off roofs. The pressure from the fall or heavy weight of the wet snow could eventually snap the line at the tank which could release gas vapor into the surrounding snow. The gas may then find its way into a home with potentially explosive or serious consequences should a source of ignition be present.  If a regulator vent is clogged with ice or snow, contact your propane supplier immediately.

 

A FINAL TIP:

--  If you winterize and close your home during the colder winter season, turn off and shut down your propane system to prevent a potential accidental ignition in your absence.  When you return in the spring, call your propane supplier to reactivate the system. The service person will: 1) pressure test the entire system for leaks; 2) check tank valves, gauges and footings; 3) check and light all gas appliances; and 4) check all gas appliance vents. For additional information on propane safety, contact your local propane supplier or telephone 1-800-4LP-GAS2 or send your questions via e-mail to <npga@genie.geis.com>.

 

Sources:  We extend our thanks to the National Propane Gas Association and Nevada Board for the Regulation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas