Propane Users Need to Keep Path to Tank Clear During Winter Weather
Epsom, NH (December 30, 2016) ?????During the cold winter weather and snow across the Northeast, homes and business that use propane to generate heat or run appliances should make sure to take the following steps to keep everyone safe and warm:
Keep path to propane tanks clear as winter progresses.??Ensure that there is always a clear path to your tank for deliveries, including your filler pipe.
Mark the location of your tank with a flag, pole, or stake. The marker should be higher than the average snow cover depth for your location. It will help you avoid plowing or shoveling rooftop snow on top of your tank. Should your tank become covered with snow, use a broom to clear it.
Alert snow plow and construction contractors. Make sure the company hired to perform snow removal or any construction is advised of the presence and location of both above ground and underground tanks. Accidental contact of snow removal or construction equipment with tanks could cause a serious safety hazard.
Check your chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and propane tank for damage, blockage, or debris caused by snow or ice.??Use a broom rather than a shovel, and clear these areas frequently. This will help reduce the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning due to blocked or damaged chimneys, flues, and vents.
If you smell gas inside or outside of your home or business, follow these instructions:
No flames or sparks!??Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate or turn on or off lights, appliances, telephones or cell phones.
Leave the area immediately.??Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
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).
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.
Do not return to the building or area??until your propane retailer, emergency responder, or qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.
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.
The Propane Gas Association of New England also offers an interactive online safety module for winter preparedness at??www.propanesafety.com/winterstorm-preparedness. And there are more safety tips are online at??www.pgane.org??and??www.propanecomfort.com.
About the Propane Gas Association of New England (PGANE):?? The Propane Gas Association of New England serves more than 700 members of the propane industry by promoting safety, education, and public awareness of the uses of propane.