8 Propane Safety Tips for Winter
The winter season is upon us. Days are shorter and the cold is rolling in. If you have propane appliances, this is an especially important time of year for propane safety.
During these colder months, many homes will be more reliant on propane for heating, cooking, and other applications. You need to make sure that you are planning ahead, monitoring your propane equipment closely, and keeping an eye on the weather.
Below are some propane safety tips to get you through the long winter months as easily as possible.
1. Call for propane delivery early.
Make sure to give yourself lots of time to get a propane delivery early and ensure you don’t run out when you need it the most. During the winter, it can be more challenging to reach rural or remote properties, especially if there has recently been a heavy snowfall. Make sure that you don’t wait until you’ve almost run out.
2. Check your tank regularly.
If you need delivery over the winter months, it will be important to call early, to ensure that you don’t run out. Monitoring your propane tank helps you keep track of how much propane is left and how much you’re using, so you can ensure your delivery is timed correctly.
3. Prepare for winter storms.
Emergency plans & kits, gas detectors, and backup communication devices are all good things to have in case a storm hits. If a storm is coming, you will want to make sure that you have enough propane to last a few extra days, in case it is challenging to make a delivery.
4. Mark your propane tank clearly and keep it free from snow and ice.
Use a flag, pole, or stake to mark where your propane tank is, so you can find the tank after a storm. Make sure your marker is higher than your average snowfall, so it doesn’t get lost. If you do have a storm or a considerable amount of snow, make sure to clear your propane tanks off with a broom and clear a path out to the tank so you can receive propane deliveries.
5. Consider getting a propane-powered generator for back-up power.
Having a back-up power source is a good plan, especially in rural areas where it can take longer for power to be restored if it goes out. As propane does have an exceptional shelf life, it makes sense to keep it as a back-up power source.
6. Notify any contractors of propane tank placement
Contractors responsible for snow and ice removal or salting may be regular visitors to your property during the winter months. It is important that these contractors know where all propane tanks are located, so they can avoid them. The damage they can cause to your tank could become a serious safety hazard for you and your family.
7. Inspect for damage following a storm.
After a winter storm, you will want to ensure there is no imminent damage. Carefully and slowly make your way around the property, checking for any damage done to your propane tank, gas lines, or power lines. Use a flashlight if you are inspecting in the dark to avoid potential combustion.
8. Call us in the case of an emergency.
As always, if you are concerned that you or your family are in any danger, call us. We can help you assess the damage and clear up any potential hazards.
We want all of our customers to be happy and safe year-round. Winter months require a little extra precaution for propane safety, but with the right plan, you’ll know you’re doing what you can to protect yourself and your family.
Contact our team for more information about how we can help you today!