Propane Safety During Severe Summer Weather

Propane has one of the safest track records of any home energy source – but like any fuel, you need to take precautions when using it, especially during severe weather.

Here are seven things you can do to keep your family safe during extreme summer weather in the Hudson Valley.

Propane Safety Checklist

1. Write and share an emergency plan with your family. A detailed emergency plan is a must-have for any family. Need help preparing one? Check out these resources from the Department of Homeland Security’s ready.gov website.
2. Check propane gas and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors at least twice a year. These devices provide essential protection for your family in the event of a propane leak or equipment malfunction.
3. Safely anchor your propane tank. If you have an above ground propane tank, always make sure it is anchored with cables to a solid base.
4. Consider adding a tank dome. Tank domes can protect your propane tank’s valves and fittings from storm-thrown debris (they’re available for aboveground and underground tanks). To learn more about tank domes, contact us.
5. Always listen to authorities. Severe thunderstorms and other extreme weather can develop quickly. Charge electronic devices and have extra batteries for emergency radios to keep up with the latest information; don’t assume that you’ll have access to the internet or your cellphone!
6. If you are ordered to evacuate, use extreme caution when returning to your property. Look for downed power lines, damaged gas lines, and propane tank damage. If your propane tank becomes dislodged from its service line, it could be leaking gas. Do NOT go near it; call 911 and contact us immediately.
7. Inspect your equipment. If it is safe to do so, do a visual inspection of your equipment to assess damage after a storm. Always follow these guidelines when inspecting your equipment after a severe weather incident:
   • Never use a candle when inspecting your equipment.
   • Never turn on a light switch, use any power source, when re-entering your home after an outage.
   • Never inspect your household appliances while standing in water.
   • Never attempt propane repairs yourself.

If you suspect any of your propane appliances or propane equipment has been damaged by weather or flooding, contact us immediately for repairs. And remember: if your gas supply has been interrupted for any reason, YOU MUST contact us to do an inspection and pressure test on your equipment before we can restore service (it’s the law!).

Be safe in any weather with expert propane service and repair in the Hudson Valley from Bottini Fuel. Contact us today to learn more about propane service and safe propane delivery today!