PERC and the propane industry together developed this suite of 16 electronic modules on consumer propane safety.

Each of the modules, available in English and Spanish, is devoted to a single subject (such as appliance maintenance) and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. This is important information that you can share with your family whenever and as often as you want.

• What is Propane?
• What to do if You Smell Gas
• Can You Smell It?
• Maintaining Your Propane Appliance
• Carbon Monoxide Safety
• Lighting Pilot Lights
• Running Out of Gas
• Using Space Heaters Safely
• Safe Grilling
• Small Cylinder Transportation and Storage
• Power Outages
• Flood Preparedness
• Hurricane Preparedness
• Spring/Summer Weather Safety
• Winter Storm Preparedness
• Wildlife Preparedness

Spanish version: Haga clic aquí para la versión española

IF YOU SMELL GAS…

No Flames or Sparks. Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, cell phones or telephones. Flames or sparks can trigger an explosion or fire.

Leave the Area Immediately. Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas leaking.

Shut Off the Gas. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).

Report the Leak. From a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you can’t reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.

Do Not Return to the Building or Area until your propane retailer determines that it is safe to do so.
Get Your System Checked. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.

Before You Grill

• Read your grill manufacturer’s instructions and call their help line if you have questions.
• Position your grill in an open area away from buildings and high traffic areas.
• Check to make sure all parts of your grill are in place and the grill is stable.

When Grilling

• Before lighting the grill, apply non-stick spray to the grates. The protective spray cuts down on clean-up time.
• Wear clothes that do not have hanging shirt tails, frills or aprons.
• Never leave a grill unattended once lit.
• Use utensils with long handles to avoid burns.
• Use baking soda to control a grease fire and have a fire extinguisher handy. If you don’t have a commercial extinguisher, keep a bucket of sand or a garden hose nearby.
• Never attempt to move a hot grill. It’s easy to stumble or drop it and serious burns could result.

After you Grill

• Turn the grill burners and lp grill cylinder to the off position.
• Use a wire Brush to scrub away buildup on the grates once the grill has cooled.
• To clean the grate, remove the cooled grate and squirt grease-cutting dishwashing detergent on it. Scrub with an abrasive brush or pad, then rinse. Be prepared to repeat this several times.

Cylinder

• Never store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area.
• Do not expose or place a propane cylinder in an area of excessive heat (above 120 degrees).
• Never store or place a spare cylinder under or near a barbeque grill.
• Do not smoke or use electrical tools in the area while handling or transporting cylinders.
• Always transport and store cylinders in the upright position.
• Keep your cylinder valve closed when not in use.
• Never keep filled cylinder in a hot vehicle or transport it in a closed trunk.
• Always move your grill away from your house or combustible material before lighting.

Each year, hurricanes endanger the lives of thousands of people and cause extreme property damage. A hurricane can be accompanied by tornadoes, thunderstorms, flooding, mudslides, and power outages. Hurricane season typically starts in June and lasts through November.

If your home uses propane, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your family safe and avoid potential dangers.

1. In flood zone areas, make sure your large above-ground and underground propane tanks are anchored securely to avoid potentially dangerous situations. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) requires that you do this. Contact your propane supplier for more information.
2. In flood zone areas, make sure your large above-ground and underground propane tanks are anchored securely to avoid potentially dangerous situations. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) requires that you do this. Contact your propane supplier for more information.
3. Create an emergency preparedness plan and review it with everyone in your family. Post a list with contact information for your propane supplier and emergency services (fire department, etc.) along with instructions for turning off propane, electricity, and water. If you do need to turn off your propane, contact a service technician to inspect your propane system prior to turning it back on. 
4. Have an adequate supply of propane in your tank. During and after a major hurricane, propane and other types of fuel may not be readily available and roads leading to your home or farm might not be accessible for delivery.
5. In the event that a hurricane threatens your safety, you should shut off the gas. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise). Also, it’s a good idea to turn off the gas supply valves located near individual indoor appliances.
6. Listen to your local authorities, or television and radio stations to determine if you need to evacuate your home or farm. If you do evacuate, use extreme caution when returning to your property. If you have any doubts about your safety, leave the area immediately and have your property inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before re-entering.
7. After the hurricane danger passes and it is safe to do so, check the entire area for downed power lines, damaged gas lines, or damage to your propane tank. High winds and floods can move, shift, or damage gas lines and tanks. If it is dark, use flashlights, not candles. Immediately call your local utility company or propane supplier if any of these hazards exist. Do not attempt repairs yourself. If you find a propane tank on your property that is not yours, or if your propane tank has become dislodged or is missing, contact your propane supplier or your local fire department immediately
8. Never use outdoor propane appliances indoors or in enclosed areas, particularly during a power outage. This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death. These include such appliances as outdoor portable heaters, barbecue grills, and portable generators. Only use appliances indoors that are designed and approved for indoor use. It’s also important that you never store, place, or use a propane cylinder indoors or in enclosed areas such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent.
9. Inspect your propane appliances for water or other damage, if it is safe to do so. If the appliances have electric components and have been exposed to water, they can create a fire hazard. Do not ever turn on a light switch, use any power source, or inspect your household appliances while standing in water. This can result in electrocution.
10. Schedule a time for a qualified service technician to perform a complete inspection of your propane system if you suspect any of your propane appliances, equipment, or vehicles have been under water or damaged, or you have turned off your gas supply. Never use or operate appliances, equipment, or vehicles, or turn on the gas supply, until your system has been inspected by a qualified service technician. Do not attempt repairs yourself. 
11. Exercise sound judgment. As with any challenging situation, your composure during a hurricane and other severe weather events will ensure you don’t take unnecessary risks or pose any additional dangers to your family and home. Stay calm; use radios, television, and telephones to stay informed and connected. If any questions arise, contact your propane supplier or local fire department.

Content provided by: Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)

Power outages can occur during any season and can range from being a simple inconvenience to, in some cases, a lifethreatening situation. Almost any type of weather-related event can cause a power outage, ranging from snow and ice storms to thunderstorms, hurricanes, and extreme heat.

If your home uses propane, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your family safe and avoid potential dangers.

1. Create an emergency preparedness plan and review it with everyone in your family Post a list with contact information for your propane retailer and emergency services  (fire department, etc.) along with instructions for turning off propane, electricity, and water. If you do need to turn off your propane, contact a service technician to inspect your propane system prior to turning it back on.
2. Create an emergency preparedness plan and review it with everyone in your family Post a list with contact information for your propane retailer and emergency services  (fire department, etc.) along with instructions for turning off propane, electricity, and water. If you do need to turn off your propane, contact a service technician to inspect your propane system prior to turning it back on.
3. Consider installing uL-listed propane gas detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. These detectors provide you with an additional measure of security. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation, location, and maintenance. 
4. Prepare a family disaster supply kit with several days’ worth of water and canned foods along with a can opener, extra clothes and blankets, flashlights, and batteries. Include a battery-powered radio so you can stay informed as conditions change. 
5. If a power outage occurs due to a severe weather-related condition, tune in on a battery-powered radio for instructions from local authorities. It’s recommended to turn off all the lights and appliances on your property that were operating before the outage occurred (with the exception of at least one light — to help signal when the power returns). This will reduce any type of power surge from occurring once the electricity returns. 
6. Use extreme caution when operating portable generators. During power outages, some people may choose to use a portable generator, allowing them to keep food from spoiling, computers and other appliances working, and, in some cases, life-supporting medical devices operating. Never use a portable generator (gasoline, diesel, or propane) indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent. This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death.
7. Never use outdoor propane appliances indoors or in enclosed areas, particularly during a power outage This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death. These include such appliances as outdoor portable heaters, barbecue grills, and portable generators. Only use appliances indoors that are designed and approved for indoor use. It’s also important that you never store, place, or use a propane cylinder indoors or in enclosed areas such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent.
8. If severe weather-related conditions cause the power outage, it is important to use caution in the area surrounding your home or farm. Check the entire area for downed power lines, damaged gas lines, or damage to your propane tank. High winds and severe weather can move, shift, or damage gas lines and tanks. If it is dark, use flashlights, not candles. Immediately call your local utility company or propane retailer if any of these hazards exist. Do not attempt repairs yourself.
9. Inspect your propane appliances for water or other damage, if it is safe to do so
   A power outage can cause appliances such as a refrigerator or freezer to leak water, or a sump pump to stop working, which may cause propane appliances to get wet. If the appliances have electric components and have been exposed to water, they can create a fire hazard. Do not ever turn on a light switch, use any power source, or inspect your household appliances while standing in water. This can result in electrocution.
10. Schedule a time for a qualified service technician to perform a complete inspection of your propane system if you suspect any of your propane appliances, equipment, or vehicles have been under water or damaged, or you have turned off your gas supply. Never use or operate appliances, equipment, or vehicles, or turn on the gas supply, until your system has been inspected by a qualified service technician. Do not attempt repairs yourself.
11. Exercise sound judgment. As with any challenging situation, your composure during power outages and other severe weather events will ensure you don’t take unnecessary risks or pose any additional dangers to your family and home. Stay calm; use radios, television, and telephones to stay informed and connected. If any questions arise, contact your propane retailer or local fire department.

Content provided by: Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)

Depending on where you live, freezing rain, ice storms, heavy snow and near-blinding blizzards may all be part of winter. But being unprepared for them shouldn’t be. Winter storms can cause extended power outages and hazardous travel conditions. Access to fuel, and emergency and medical services may be limited once a severe storm hits a region. Implementing a winter safety plan now is essential to help reduce your risk.

If your home uses propane to generate heat or run appliances, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your family safe and avoid potential dangers. These steps can also help you conserve fuel costs — maximizing the value of your energy dollar.

1. Make sure you have an adequate propane supply. Discuss with your propane supplier the possibility of scheduling regular winter visits so that you always have an adequate supply of propane in your tank. This will avoid running empty in times of heavy snowfall when roads may be inaccessible for delivery. 
2. Make sure you have an adequate propane supply. Discuss with your propane supplier the possibility of scheduling regular winter visits so that you always have an adequate supply of propane in your tank. This will avoid running empty in times of heavy snowfall when roads may be inaccessible for delivery. 
3. Mark the location of your tank with a flag, pole, or stake that is higher than the average snow cover depth for your location. Contact your local weather bureau if you need data for your area. If you already have markers, make sure they are planted firmly and highly visible. These markers will help you avoid plowing or shoveling rooftop snow on top of your tank. Should your tank become covered with snow, use a broom to clear it.
4. Make sure your heating system and appliances are running efficiently. Before the start of each heating season, have a qualified service technician inspect and service your appliances and propane system. This will ensure that your appliances are running as efficiently as possible, conserving fuel and saving dollars.
5. Create an emergency preparedness plan and review it with everyone in your family. Post a list with contact information for your propane supplier and emergency services (fire department, etc.) along with instructions for turning off propane, electricity, and water. If you do need to turn off your propane, contact a service technician to inspect your propane system prior to turning it back on.
6. Prepare a family disaster supply kit with several days’ worth of water and canned foods along with a can opener, extra clothes and blankets, flashlights, and batteries. Include a battery-powered NOAA weather radio so you can stay informed as conditions change. Make sure to keep rock salt, firewood, and snow-removal equipment accessible from inside.
7. Check your chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and propane tank for damage, blockage, or debris caused by snow and ice. Use a broom rather than a shovel, and clear these areas frequently. This will help reduce the possibility of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to blocked or damaged chimneys, flues, and vents.
8. Consider installing UL-listed propane gas detectors and CO detectors. These detectors provide you with an additional measure of security. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation, location, and maintenance.
9. After the storm passes and it is safe to do so, check the entire area for downed power lines, damaged gas lines, or damage to your propane tank. Immediately call your local utility company or propane supplier if any of these hazards exist. Do not attempt repairs yourself.
10. Never use a stove for space heating and never use outdoor propane appliances indoors or in enclosed areas, particularly in the event of a power outage. Proper ventilation is necessary for their safe operation, and CO fumes emitted can be lethal. Only use appliances indoors that are designed and approved for indoor use. Never store, place, or use a propane cylinder indoors or in enclosed areas.
11. Exercise sound judgment. As with any challenging situation, your composure during winter storms will ensure you don’t take unnecessary risks or pose any additional dangers to your family and home. Stay calm; use radios, television, and telephones to stay informed and connected. Remember, winter storms can last several days and roads may be inaccessible for fuel delivery. Conserve fuel by keeping thermostats down to 65° during the day and 55° at night, and close off any rooms that don’t need to be heated. If any questions arise, contact your propane supplier or local fire department.

Content provided by: Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)