Propane Safety In Thunderstorms: Keeping Your Family Safe

What do you do if you smell gas inside or outside of you home?

No flames or sparks Leave the area immediately Shut off the gas Report the leak Do not return to the building or area Get your system checked

Before:

Be ready for thunderstorms is the first step to keeping your family safe. Also you need to know how and where to shut off the outdoor propane supply and indoor propane appliances. If you need more information on this please contact your propane retailer.

Do you and your family know what propane smells like; it has a strong, unpleasant smell like rotten eggs, a skunk's spray, or a dead animal.

Install a carbon monoxide detector for every level of your home. Follow the manufacture's instructions on the installation, area to place and maintenance. A Propane Gas detector provides an extra measure of security.

Have a list of instructions on how to turn off water, propane and electricity. Create and emergency preparedness plan and review it regularly with your family to keep them safe during the potential disaster.

During:

Thunderstorms are a common occurrence, so prepare and recognize their potential danger. Your local television and radio stations will give instructions on the appropriate course of action to take. When the storm approaches, take the following steps:

When outside if you hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Immediately go to a safe shelter. Do not go near metal objects such as equipment, tractors, propane tanks or telephone lines with can conduct electricity. If caught outside go to place away from metal objects, trees and poles, find a low-lying place. But make sure the place will not flood.

After:

Use caution in the area surrounding your home or farm after a thunderstorm. Leave the area immediately if you have any doubts about you or your families' safety and have your property inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before re-entering

Review the area carefully for downed power lines they are a major safety hazards. High winds, hail can move, shift or damage gas lines and tanks. If any of these hazards exist call your local utility company or propane retailer.

Keeping you and you family safe in a thunderstorm is of the highest priority. And having the correct insurance to cover the damage it can caused, is the next highest priority. So be safe and confident when that thunderstorm approaches.