Propane safety training and awareness to protect your loved ones and property.
There’s a reason propane is a smart — and popular — fuel choice for so many households in Hedgesville and across the Eastern Panhandle region. It’s efficient, eco-friendly, and versatile. It’s also a very safe energy source. However, leaks can happen, and it’s important that you and your family know how to detect a propane leak and respond appropriately.
Recognizing a Gas Leak
Make sure everyone in your family can identify the smell of leaking propane gas and take these precautions to make sure any leaking fuel is detected quickly.
Know the Smell: All propane has an additive (ethyl mercaptan) that smells like rotten eggs or skunk spray so that it’s quickly and easily identified.
Install Gas Leak Detectors: We recommend placing UL-listed gas detectors near your propane appliances. These are not the same as carbon monoxide detectors, which — while essential for a safe home — don’t detect propane leaks.
Arrange Regular Service: Roach Energy can inspect and service all your propane-fired equipment.
Responding to a Propane Leak
If you smell gas or receive an alert from a gas leak detector, please immediately follow these propane safety procedures:
Leave the Area Right Away: Get everyone out of the building or the area where you detected a gas leak. Extinguish all sources of ignition, like cigarettes or candles. Make sure no one does anything that could create a spark: no one should use a phone, switch lights on or off, or use any appliances.
Shut Off the Propane Tank: ONLY if it is safe to do so, close the shutoff valve to your home propane tank or propane cylinder.
Call for Help: As soon as everyone is away — across the street or down the block is good — call 911 and then call us.
Everyone should stay away from the building until first responders have told you it’s safe, even if you no longer smell gas.
We also recommend you prominently post important numbers for your family, including your local emergency services and propane supplier.
Propane Safety Dos and Don’ts
If you use propane cylinders for your home, make sure you know how to handle the tanks safely.
Do have all propane equipment and tanks inspected regularly.
Don’t store propane cylinders near cleaning fluids or flammable substances.
Do store propane cylinders outdoors, protected from sunlight and rain.
Do not smoke anywhere near your propane cylinder storage.
If you use propane for cooking:
Don’t attempt to relight a pilot light if you smell gas. If you do relight a pilot light yourself, follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly.
Do call us if a pilot light goes out frequently, if flames are yellow, or if you notice a significant amount of soot. Gas flames should be mainly blue when burning correctly.
Roach Energy is Here for Your Safety.
Your safety is important to us, and we know it’s important to you. Our technicians are trained to install and repair propane equipment and appliances safely. We are always available to help ensure your propane appliances and storage are safe and working correctly.
If you have any questions about propane safety for your West Virginia home, contact us any time.
There’s a reason propane is a smart — and popular — fuel choice for so many households in Hedgesville and across the Eastern Panhandle region. It’s efficient, eco-friendly, and versatile. It’s also a very safe energy source. However, leaks can happen, and it’s important that you and your family know how to detect a propane leak and respond appropriately.