If you use propane to heat your home, you are most likely enjoying the benefits in having it delivered by a propane service, promptly and without incident. Propane is a wonderful resource to use if you follow a few steps to ensure the safety of your home and family. Here are some safety precautions to use when using propane in your home.

Around The Tank

Propane tanks are constructed in a way where they are almost unable to be penetrated, giving you the peace of mind that your gas supply is safely housed inside. The tank, however, can have a propane leak from the area the gas is dispensed into if the supplier mistakenly doesn't shut the valve tightly enough. 

Propane gives off an odor that smells like rotten eggs. If you smell this around the tank area, open the hood and shut off the vapor servicing valve. Don't tamper with your propane's system supply lines. Give a call to your provider right away to make an appointment for evaluation before using anything that uses propane in your home.

In Your Home

If there is a suspected propane leak occurring, do not turn on any appliances that use the gas. Avoid flipping on any electricity, as it can cause sparking or a fire if propane is present in the area. Propane fumes are heavier than air. If you believe you smell leaking propane, avoid the basement or first floor of your home, as this is where the fumes will be most prevalent. If you smell propane, call your local fire department and evacuate your home immediately.

Taking Precaution

Place a marker near your propane tank outdoors so that you can easily find where it is located when doing landscaping or snowplowing. This will help avoid mishap where you would bump into the fuel lines or the tank itself when doing outdoor work around your home. Consider investing in a propane leak detection unit. Your supplier can hook this up to your system so you are prepared to evacuate should the indicator let you know a leak is occurring. 

Hook up a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. These are inexpensive safety devices that could save your life if there was a leak. Purchase these at any home goods store. If you notice a family member has symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, including vomiting, dizziness, loss of muscle control, headaches or watering eyes, get them to an emergency room immediately. Call your service provider to check your system before returning to the home.

To learn more, contact a company like Fieldings Oil & Propane Co Inc.