Propane Users Need to Prepare for Winter
Epson, NH ??? With cold winter weather arriving this week and the potential for winter storms in the coming weeks, consumers everywhere need take a few important steps to be better prepared for frigid temperatures, ice accumulation and winter storms.
The Propane Gas Association of New England says homes and business that use propane to generate heat or run appliances should take the following steps now to keep everyone safe and warm this winter:
- 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. ??
- Keep path to propane tanks clear. Ensure that there is always a clear path to your tank for deliveries, including your filler pipe. Remember, fuel delivery trucks are TWICE as wide as cars, so make sure that your driveway is cleared to a width of 12 feet. ??
- Make sure you have an adequate propane supply. During and after a winter storm, roads may be inaccessible for delivery. It is recommended that you establish a regular delivery schedule with your propane retailer. Your dealer will be able to explain your options in one simple phone call. ??
- Make sure your heating system and appliances are running efficiently. Have a qualified service technician annually inspect and service your appliances and propane system. This will ensure that your appliances are running as efficiently as possible, conserving fuel and saving dollars. ??
- Use extreme caution when operating portable generators. Never use a portable generator (gasoline, diesel, or propane) indoors or in enclosed areas. This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death. ??
- Never use a cook stove for space heating and never use outdoor propane appliances indoors or in enclosed areas. Proper ventilation is necessary for their safe operation; and carbon monoxide fumes emitted can be lethal. Only use appliances indoors that are designed and approved for indoor use. ??
- After a storm: Check your chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and propane tank for damage, blockage, or debris caused by snow and 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.
These simple measures can help to ensure that everyone has a safe and comfortable winter season. The efficiency of propane also makes it an ideal fuel for water heaters, fireplaces, clothes dryers, and cooking appliances. Propane is a clean, efficient, American-made fuel used by millions of Americans at home, at work, on the road, and on the farm.
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 800 members of the propane industry by promoting safety, education, and public awareness of the uses of propane.