Spring Safety Reminders for Your Propane Powered Home

Spring is a time to renew and refresh many things in our life – including our memory about things that are important to us.

Take safety, for example.

If you own a propane-powered home, statistics tell us that you’re already ahead of the safety curve. But just because propane is one of the safer fuel options around doesn’t mean that you’re off the hook completely when it comes to protecting your home and family: a certain amount of care is needed if you own any appliance that burns propane indoors (or heating oil – or any other fuel for that matter).

So as we speed away from 2018’s March equinox and toward the June solstice, let’s go over some important propane safety reminders for your Maine-area home:

1. Make sure all the adults living in your home know how to turn off the propane supply both at the main tank and at each propane appliance. If you don’t know how to do that, contact us.
2. Remind everyone in your family that a propane leak smells like rotten eggs – and show them what to do if they smell a leak in your home.
3. Check to make sure that all flammable fluids (paint, thinners, solvents, etc.) are stored away from any propane appliances that use a pilot light (your water heater, for example).
4. NEVER store or place a propane cylinder in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, or shed. Instead, store propane cylinders outdoors – and always in an upright position.
5. Replace the batteries in all your carbon monoxide (CO) detectors – and if they’re more than five years oil, replace the unit entirely. Strongly consider installing propane gas detectors, too.
6. Spring is the perfect time to write or revise an emergency preparedness plan for your family. For tips on making one, visit www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.
7. If severe weather is predicted, make sure you have enough propane to last for at least a week after the storm ends in case roads are closed. If you own a propane backup generator, get it serviced (spring is the perfect time to do that).
8. If you suspect any of your propane equipment is not working properly, contact us immediately to schedule an inspection. And remember: if you have to turn off your propane gas supply for any reason, the law requires you to have it turned back on by a professional!

Stay safe this spring – contact us to schedule maintenance for your propane equipment, or if you have any other propane safety questions!