Welcome to the latest installment of our Propane Safety Series! This entry focuses on winter weather safety for your house or office. Please read below and then contact Annapolis Propane & Fuels with any questions you might have.
The winter season can be extremely harsh for the mid-Atlantic region with the potential for heavy snowfall and bitterly cold temperatures. We don’t want you to be left inside a cold home or business in these harsh conditions. One of the most important safety tips is to maintain a sufficient supply of propane in your tank. Severe weather can hinder the delivery of additional propane, which is why you need to keep in touch with your local propane supplier to formulate a plan for the season. But if you do run out of propane, we are here to help. Contact us immediately, and one of our qualified technicians will come out and check for leaks in your system before turning the gas back on. When winter weather does strike, help our delivery drivers by clearing a path to your propane tank.
Carbon Monoxide fumes pose one of the biggest threats for a household or business during severe winter weather. Maintaining proper ventilation is one way to combat this danger.
- Removing snow and ice away from your propane tank gauge, outside vents, chimneys, and flues, so ventilation can flow freely and leave your home. If the ventilation is blocked, your home could be filled with deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
- You want to use a broom instead of a shovel to clear the snow and ice to avoid damaging the propane system.
Remember only to use your appliances for their approved use. Not following this tip can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death.
- Don’t use a stove or bring your gas grill inside as a space heater, even during a power outage.
- Outdoor propane-powered appliances should never be used indoors or in enclosed areas.
- Portable generators (gasoline, diesel, or propane) should never be used inside or in an enclosed space.
If you start smelling gas in your house, follow these steps to ensure your safety.
- Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames and do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cellphones.
- Leave your home and the area of the suspected gas leak. If you can do so safely, close or shut off the main gas supply valve by turning it to the right (clockwise).
- Call your local propane supplier or 911 immediately from a safe place to report the leak. Please do not return to the area until a qualified service technician from your local propane supplier or an emergency responder gives the all-clear.
Always remember to use energy conservatively because winter storms can make roads impassable for several days, delaying propane deliveries. Find a low comfortable setting for your thermostat, and close off any rooms that don’t need to be heated. Annapolis Propane & Fuels is here to help you stay safe. Our propane sales team can answer any questions you have about winter rates. Call us today!
