Propane
Safety Tips for Your Home
General Tips
To readily recognize a
leak, know what propane smells like. Propane retailers have pamphlets available
with a scratch-and-sniff spot so that your entire family can recognize the
smell. Propane leak detectors, similar to carbon monoxide detectors, are
available. See your propane supplier to obtain one.
If you smell a leak,
immediately evacuate everyone from the building and call your local propane
supplier or the fire department from your neighbor's phone. DO NOT remain in
the building, use the telephone or light switches or try to determine the
source of the leak by yourself.
Be aware of where gas
service lines are located, especially when working in your yard.
Water can damage the
internal safety mechanism in the gas controls of an appliance. If you suspect
that your appliance gas controls may have gotten wet (because of flooding, for
example), have a trained technician replace them immediately.
Heating Appliances
All furnaces can collect
lint and dirt and should be cleaned regularly. Contact your local propane
supplier for information on proper cleaning, and follow the manufacturer's
instructions.
Water Heaters
Drain your tank
periodically (until water runs clean - usually 2 to 3 gallons) to get rid of
sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank.
Ranges
Have your unit serviced if
the burner flame is not blue. The blue flame indicates complete
combustion. A yellow flame means air inlets are clogged or burners need
adjustment. Contact your propane supplier's service department immediately. Do
not cover the oven bottom with foil - it can restrict air circulation.
Never use gas ranges for
home heating.