Propane Safety: Severe Weather – Be Prepared

Propane Safety: Severe Weather – Be Prepared

When severe weather strikes, make sure you and your family are prepared and safe. Just follow the tips below and contact your local propane supplier if your propane system ever gets damaged.

PREPARING FOR EVERY POSSIBILITY

Before, during, and after a storm, there are a few key things to consider to keep your family and your home as safe as possible.

CREATE AN EMERGENCY PLAN

Get together with your family to determine and make a plan in the event of  severe weather, including tornados. Make it part of your plan to be sure to clearly post contact information for your utility companies as well as local emergency services—including your local propane supplier. You should also post instructions for turning off your propane, electricity, and water. (If you turn off your propane, contact a service technician to inspect your system before turning it back on.)

INSTALL A UL-LISTED GAS DETECTOR

To better prepare for any potential damage, install a UL-listed gas detector in your home, which will notify you if a leak ever occurs. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to installation, location, and maintenance.

PLAN FOR COMMUNICATIONS

Keep a battery-powered radio handy, so you always have a way to receive updates on weather conditions. As storms approach, it’s also smart to charge up your smartphones, so you have an additional tool for communication through a long power outage. Or, consider purchasing a propane generator so you always have reliable power, even during blackouts.

INSPECT DAMAGE CAUTIOUSLY

If a storm causes harm to your property, be careful when you assess damage as downed power lines, damaged gas lines, and dislodged propane tanks can lead to dangerous situations. In the dark, use a flashlight instead of candles to avoid combustion in the case of a leak, and never inspect appliances while standing in water.

IF YOU SENSE DANGER, CALL THE EXPERTS

Your utility company, fire department, and propane supplier have expert training, and should handle any potentially dangerous situations with your home’s systems. Additionally, if a storm damages your property, it’s a good idea to have a qualified service technician perform a complete inspection of your propane system, to ensure no harmful damage was done.