Propane Safety Reminders For The Heating Season

Stay Safe This Winter

Propane appliances can really help improve your quality of life—especially in the winter when the incredible efficiency of propane equipment can keep your family warm no matter what Mother Nature has in store for us here in North Carolina. But like any source of home energy, propane can be dangerous if proper care isn’t taken when operating or servicing your equipment.

Please keep in mind the following five (5) propane safety tips as winter roars in during the weeks and months ahead:

1. Never service your own propane equipment.

Propane appliance repair is never a DIY job – poor service or improper modifications to equipment can result in injury, damage to your equipment, or exposure to dangerous risks for your family. If you suspect your equipment is not working properly or needs attention, always call in the pros.

2. Remember what to do if you smell gas.

Remember: a propane gas leak smells like rotten eggs. Teach everyone in your house how to detect a propane leak, and to do the following if they smell propane in your home:

• Leave the area immediately.
• Avoid all flames or sparks, including lights, appliances, phones, or cell phones, which could ignite the gas and trigger an explosion.
• If you can, shut off the gas at the main valve on your tank—turn the valve clockwise.
• Call us, or 911 from a safe area.
• Stay away until help arrives.

3.Sign up for Automatic Delivery to avoid runouts.

Running out of propane can be more than simply a hassle – it can be dangerous. It can also be costly: remember, if you shut down your propane gas supply for any reason, the law requires you to hire a licensed professional to restart your system. What is the best way to avoid fuel runouts? Sign up for FREE Automatic Propane Delivery from LG Jordan.

4.Be sensible. Take smart steps to keep your family safe.

• Don’t store cleaning fluids and flammable substances near your propane tanks.
• Clean furnace filters regularly.
• Keep external vents free of debris to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) build-up.
• Install CO detectors at every level of your home and test them every year.
• Get preventative maintenance for your heating equipment every year.
• When in doubt about your propane appliances, contact us for service.

5.Use increased caution when utilizing space heating solutions:

• Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep.
• Don’t place a space heater close to any sleeping person.
• Never use gasoline in a kerosene space heater, as even small amounts of gasoline mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of fire.
• Don’t use portable propane space heaters indoors or in any confined space unless they are specifically designed for indoor use.
• Never use your oven, grill, or clothes dryer to heat your home.  This could cause a fire or dangerous carbon monoxide gas.

Stay safe this heating season! Contact us today if you have any questions about safety for your North Carolina home.