GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES

Indoor Safety | Outdoor Safety

Gas Safety Check
If your home has a propane furnace, water heater, range or other conveniences, you should schedule a gas check of your whole propane system, including the appliances. Your local propane gas supplier will send a specially trained service technician to check your system for leaks and ensure that it meets all applicable safety standards. The technician will also check your tank, piping, regulators, gauges, connectors, valves, vents, thermostats, pilots, burners and appliance controls to make sure they are in good working condition. The Railroad Commission also suggests that homeowners who fuel furnaces and appliances with propane contact their local dealer about having their propane delivery accounts put on "automatic." An automatic or "keep-full" account ensures that an adequate supply of gas will be available, no matter how cold the weather or treacherous the road conditions.

Latch-Key Children
Parents should make sure children who are home alone know the rules of gas appliance safety. Let your children know what typical noises your furnace, water heater or refrigerator can make. They will be less fearful on their own if they know that your water heater normally gurgles or the furnace sometimes creaks and pops. Children should know not to turn on propane gas appliances without parental supervision; to keep papers and toys away from furnaces, space heaters and gas fireplaces; and to steer clear of propane storage tanks and shut-off valves. Naturally odorless propane gas has a rotten-egg smell added to it, to help identify any leaks. Make sure your child recognizes the smell by using a 'scratch and sniff' brochure available from your propane supplier. Tell your children if they smell gas, they should leave the home right away, without using any electric switches or appliances. Children should go to a trusted neighbor's home for help, and call mom or dad or the fire department from there.

Weather Emergencies
Take these steps to protect your family and property before and after a flood, hurricane or severe storm.

Getting ready for a flood or hurricane.
1. Properly secure the propane tank, if possible.
2. Turn off the gas supply valve at the tank.
3. Fasten the protective dome on the tank.
4. Turn off appliance pilot lights, control valves and manual shut-off valves.
5. Ensure an adequate supply of fuel in the tank. After the flood or hurricane has passed, look for visible structural damage, including damaged external venting and vent caps.

Call your propane dealer or qualified technician if:
1. You smell propane gas.
2. Your propane tank has shifted or moved.
3. The tank regulator has been exposed to water.
4. The gas lines are broken, bent, damaged or have pulled away from the propane tank or appliances.
5. Propane appliances or their controls have been exposed to water.

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