To readily recognize a leak, know what propane smells like. Propane suppliers have pamphlets available with a scratch-and-sniff spot so that your entire family can recognize the smell. Propane leak detectors, similar to carbon monoxide detectors, are available online or at your local plumbing supply or hardware stores. View the annual Duty To Know – Propane brochure.
IMPORTANT: If you smell a leak, immediately evacuate everyone from the building and call your local propane supplier or the fire department from your neighbor’s phone. DO NOT remain in the building, use the telephone or light switches or try to determine the source of the leak by yourself.
Heating Appliances
Water Heaters
Ranges
Important Notes to Keep in Mind:
By taking some simple propane-related safety precautions and discussing them with your family, you can reduce the potential for property loss, personal injury and even death.
There are several precautionary measures you can take to be prepared in case of emergencies:
Great reminder below of how serious “burn bans” really are when posted!
Photos from the 2016 Poconos 8,000 acre “16 Mile Fire” where the home in the background is gone and the 1,000 gallon propane tank was spared out in the grass. We can’t say thank you enough to the dedicated fire fighters in Pike County and Ulster County for their work.
Below are examples of propane incidents occurring during extreme weather situations and natural disasters, showing how important it is to be educated and aware of propane-related safety precautions:
Preparation
Safety precautions taken before storm season by securing your above ground tank with anchoring cables onto a solid foundation.
Hurricane Sandy
Keep tanks secure to avoid them being thrown around in high wind. This is a damaged propane tank during Hurricane Sandy. Hurricane Irene In the event of flooding, turn off the tank’s valves before leaving the home. This is a propane tank floating down river during Hurricane Irene.
Do | Don’t |
Do follow the grill manufacturer’s instruction and keep written materials handy. | Don’t smoke while handling a propane cylinder. |
Do keep the top of the grill open until you are sure it is lit. | Don’t use matches or lighters to check for propane leaks. |
Do cover disconnected hose-end fittings with plastic bags or protective caps to keep a grill clean when it is not in use. | Don’t pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gasoline on the grill. |
Do store propane cylinders outdoors in an upright (vertical) position. | Don’t allow children to tamper with the cylinder or grill. |
Do: If you smell gas, safely turn off the cylinder valve, turning it to the right (clockwise). Immediately leave the area and dial 911 or call your local fire department. Before using the grill again, have a qualified service technician inspect your cylinder. | Don’t use, store or transport propane cylinders near high temperatures (this includes storing spare cylinders near the grill). |
Don’t try to be a grill repairman. If you are having grill or propane cylinder problems, see a qualified service tech |
What should I do if I smell gas?
How should I store small cylinders?
How should I transport small cylinders?
What should I do if I have a problem with my cylinders or outdoor appliances?
How to test for propane leaks
What is an overfill prevention device (opd)?
What should I do with my old or damaged cylinders?
How should I dispose of cylinders?