General Propane Safety

Propane is a very safe fuel. But as with any energy source, there are steps you should take to further ensure your safety:

• Learn what propane smells like. We offer scratch-and-sniff pamphlets to help your family recognize its distinctive odor.
• Know where gas lines are located, so you won't damage them when digging or working in the yard.
• Change or clean furnace filters regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Don't store cleaning fluids, oil-soaked rags, gasoline, or other flammable liquids near a gas-burning appliance where vapors could be ignited by the pilot light.

• If you detect a gas leak:

  • NO FLAMES OR SPARKS! Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
  • 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 nearby 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 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.