Five cold weather propane safety tips
Propane gas is one of the safest and most efficient ways to power and heat your home. But as with any fuel, you have to know what to do to keep your family safe if the unexpected happens – especially during winter, when propane use is highest and the dangers of being without it are greatest.
Here are five propane safety tips for the cold weather months in your northern Fairfield and northern Westchester County home:
- Know how to shut off the supply of gas to your home from the propane tank, and teach everyone in the house how to do it. If you’re not sure how to do that, contact us.
- Learn how to identify a propane leak – which smells like rotten eggs – and what to do if you discover one.
- Following manufacturer’s instructions, install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors on every level of your home. We also strongly suggest installing propane leak detectors to guard against propane odor loss.
- If severe winter weather is approaching:
- Check your propane levels, making sure you have enough gas to last a week in the event road closures disrupt propane deliveries; If you have a propane whole house generator, be sure to take its fuel use into account if you plan to run it in the event of a power outage.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities;
- Clear snow and debris from vents, chimneys, and flues after a storm to reduce the risk of CO poisoning; use a broom rather than a shovel to avoid damaging your equipment.
- If you suspect that any of your propane equipment has been damaged or isn’t working properly, contact us right away for service and repairs. Remember: if you shut down your gas supply, the law requires you to hire a licensed professional to restart you system.
Stay safe this winter – contact Casey Energy today if you have any questions about propane safety in your CT or NY home!