Propane Safety: Before, During, And After A Storm

Posted: October 21, 2019

While summer is the prime time for thunderstorms here in the Delaware Valley area, we all know from experience that these powerful—and often frightening–displays by Mother Nature can still appear well into the fall season.

No matter what time of the year these storms rumble by, it is important to be prepared. We especially designed this checklist for our propane customers.

During a storm

Focus on protection – Stay indoors, as far away as possible from power lines and conductive metal objects (including your propane tank); these can be extremely dangerous during an electrical storm. Avoid being under tall structures that attract lightning, including trees and poles, and listen to authorities for instructions on possible evacuations.

After a storm

Inspect your property. Look for downed trees, tree limbs, and power lines that could potentially damage your home or propane tank. Once the storm has passed, check all your propane appliances for signs of damage or improper function. If your power is out, do not use candles to examine your equipment – this could create a very dangerous situation if there is a propane gas leak.

Call us immediately if you suspect damage has occurred. Our propane technician will inspect and test your equipment to make sure everything is working safely and correctly.

Know how to detect a propane gas leak

Make sure everyone in your family knows the distinctive rotten-egg smell of propane, and what to do if they detect it. Knowing that smell can help you identify a potentially dangerous leak that could worsen if your propane tank is damaged during a thunderstorm. We also urge you to install propane detectors in your home, which can detect a propane leak even in the absence of its telltale odor. Here’s what to do if you smell gas.

Do you have an emergency plan?

Make sure all adults living in the house know how to shut the gas main off at your propane tank, and do this if you choose to evacuate your home. This will prevent damaged tanks from creating dangerous leaks that could ignite in your absence.

You can read more propane safety tips here. If you have questions about any safety issues, please feel free to contact us.