Propane Safety: Three Reminders For Heating Season
If you have propane appliances in your home, a keen nose and preparation can be important assets when it comes to keeping your family safe.
Steps To Safety In A Propane Leak
Your nose matters because there’s a distinctive rotten egg odor to propane – something producers add to propane gas (which is odorless) to make leaks easy to detect. When that telltale smell appears in your West Virginia home, don’t panic – but do act quickly, using these propane safety guidelines:
Avoid touching any equipment that could cause a spark (lights or light switches, appliances, telephones, cell phones, etc.); a spark can cause an explosion.
Get everyone (including pets) out of your house immediately and call 911 from a safe distance away.
If it is safe to do so, turn off the propane gas at the tank; if you don’t know how to do this, ask us – it’s important information to know.
When inspection teams say it is safe to return to your home, do so – but do not use your propane equipment again until it is inspected by a professional.
Remember: if your propane system is turned off for any reason – including a leak – the law requires you to have it inspected and pressure-tested before it can be turned on again.
In many states – including West Virginia and Maryland – carbon monoxide detectors are required for your home. However, propane detectors are NOT required. We urge you to install both of these invaluable and inexpensive fail-safes in your home whether or not it is required. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for operating and placing each device.
Be sure to have your propane heating equipment serviced regularly – it will keep you safer, lower your monthly bills, and help your technician spot a small issue before it becomes a more serious problem requiring costly propane equipment repairs.
Your family’s safety is always our priority! Contact us today to learn more about propane safety in your West Virginia home.
