If you have a home that is powered by propane gas, a keen nose and an ability to think quickly on your feet can be vital assets when it comes to keeping your family safe.
Your nose matters because there’s a distinctive rotten egg smell to propane – something all producers add to naturally odorless propane gas to make leaks easy to detect. When that telltale smell appears in your Hudson Valley home, don’t panic – but do act quickly, using these propane safety guidelines:
Avoid touching any equipment that could cause a spark (lights or light switches, appliances, telephones, cell phones, etc.); a spark can cause an explosion.
Get everyone (including pets) out of your house immediately and call 911 from a safe distance away.
If it is safe to do so, turn off the propane gas at the tank; if you don’t know how to do this, ask us – it’s important information to know.
When inspection teams say it is safe to return to your home, do so – but do not use your propane equipment again until it is inspected by a professional.
Remember: if your propane system is turned off for any reason – including a leak – the law requires you to have it inspected and pressure-tested before it can be turned on again.
In some states – particularly in newly built homes – propane and carbon monoxide detectors are required for your home. We STRONGLY suggest installing both of these invaluable and inexpensive fail-safes in your home whether or not it is required. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for operating and placing each device.
Be sure to have your propane heating equipment (and your cooling equipment) serviced regularly – it will keep you safer, lower your monthly bills, and help your technician spot a small issue before it becomes a more serious problem requiring costly propane equipment repairs.
Your family’s safety is always our priority! Contact us today to learn more about propane safety in your Hudson Valley home.