Top 10 Winter Propane Safety Tips to Remember

Here on the East End of Long Island, we survived the first few snowfalls of winter, but the team at Liberty Gas has a sneaky feeling that we are not out of the woods yet!

If you’re one Liberty Gas’ valued propane customers, or even if you’re considering propane to warm your home and make it more efficient, now is a good time to make preparations for the next storm.

Thanks to our friends at propanecomfort.com, we offer these handy tips to hold off the worst from Mother Nature.  You can also view a safety video above.

1. Maintain an adequate supply of propane in your tank. A severe winter storm can hinder additional propane deliveries.
2. Stay in regular contact with your friends here at Liberty Gas. Doing so gives us enough time to arrange a refill long before you run out of propane.
3. If you run out of propane get in touch with Liberty Gas immediately (631.288.0902). Our qualified service technicians must check your system for leaks before turning the gas back on.
4. Use energy wisely. Winter storms and the resulting inaccessible roads may make propane deliveries impossible for several days. Use energy conservatively by setting your programmable thermostat to as low as is comfortable — possibly a few degrees cooler at night and when nobody is home. Close off any rooms that don’t need to be heated.
5. Keep the path to your propane tank clear. A clear path helps the delivery drivers get to your tank easily, fill it quickly, and move on to the next customer.
6. Allow your appliances to vent properly. If it is safe to do so, clear snow and ice away from outdoor vents, chimneys, and flues to prevent blocking any ventilation.
7. Clear snow and ice from around your propane tank. This includes regulators, regulator vents, piping, tubing, and valves. Use a broom instead of a shovel to prevent damage to your propane system components.
8. If you smell gas, take the right steps. Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Get everyone away from the home or area where you suspect gas is leaking. If it is safe to do so, close or shut off the main gas supply valve by turning it to the right (clockwise). Call Liberty Gas immediately (631.288.0902) from a safe place to report the leak.  In case of emergency, call 911. Do not return to the area until a propane provider, emergency responder, or qualified service technician gives the OK.
9. Never use a stove or bring your gas grill indoors for space heating, even during a power outage. Only use appliances indoors that are designed and approved for that purpose. Never store, place, or use a propane cylinder indoors or in enclosed areas. Never use outdoor propane-powered appliances indoors or in enclosed areas. Without proper ventilation, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) fumes produced can build up.
10. Operate portable generators with caution. Never use a portable generator (gasoline, diesel, or propane) indoors or in enclosed areas. Doing so can result in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning or death.