Winter Safety Tips for Your Propane-Powered Home

Winter is when we rely most heavily on propane to keep our families warm and comfortable – so it’s also the best time for a reminder about how to keep them safe.

Propane is one of the safest ways to power and heat your home – but as with any fuel, you have to know what to do if the unexpected happens.

Here are six propane safety tips for colder weather:

1. Know how to shut the propane valve at the tank, and teach everyone in the house how to do it. If you’re not sure how to do that, contact us.
2. Learn how to identify a propane leak – which smells like rotten eggs – and what to do if you discover one. Make sure your family knows, too.
3. Never operate an outdoor appliance (a portable generator, for example) indoors, and never store a propane cylinder indoors.
4. Install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors on every level of your home. Change the batteries at least once a year, and change the detector once every five years.
5. If severe winter weather is approaching:
   • Check your propane levels, making sure you have enough to last at least a week in case propane deliveries are disrupted by road closures;
   • 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.
6. If you suspect that any of your propane appliances have been damaged by bad weather, contact us right away for service. And remember: if you shut down your gas supply, it must be restarted by a licensed professional!

Stay safe this winter – contact Pioneer today if you have any questions about propane safety in your home!