Safe Propane Use During a Winter Storm

Five helpful tips

Winter storms are an inevitable part of living in Maine. We can’t fight them, but we can properly prepare for them. Part of that preparation involves knowing how to use your propane and propane-powered appliances safely. Of course, it’s always important to use propane in a safe and secure manner, but during the winter this becomes even more important.

Be Ready for the Storm

Here are five helpful tips and suggestions for how you can make sure your propane-powered home stays safe and secure.

1. Keep track of your propane supply – One key way to stay safe during a winter storm is to make sure you have a plentiful supply of propane. You don’t want to be too low or completely out in the midst of very cold weather or right before a snowstorm hits. It’s generally a good idea to keep your tank at least 30% full. If you don’t want to be responsible for monitoring your propane supply, you can sign up for Murray-Heutz’s automatic delivery services or our propane tank monitoring services.
2. Clear certain surfaces – You want to be sure that any dust, debris, or snow are completely cleared away from your chimney, flue, vents, propane tank, piping, tank regulators, vents, tubes, and valves.
3. Use appliances correctly – Follow the safety instructions for any appliances that are powered by propane. Never use a portable generator inside. Don’t use outdoor appliances that are fueled by propane, such as grills, inside. While your propane-fueled stove does give off heat, it is not safe to use it as a heat source.
4. Test your generator – In the lead-up to any severe storm, you should make sure your propane generator is working properly. In fact, you should really run it for about 20 minutes once a month to check that it still works. You should also have enough generator fuel to last you at least a week in case of a power outage.
5. Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working – To keep your home safe, carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on each level of your house. A detector should also be outside of each of your home’s bedrooms. Test them once a month and replace them every five years.

Murray-Heutz can provide propane deliveries for your home in Central Maine. Our team has extensive knowledge about propane safety and is available for propane emergencies. Contact our team today for reliable service!