Propane Users Need to Keep Safe and Warm During Cold Winter Weather

Epsom, NH (December 7, 2016) – Now that New England has seen its first winter storm,
consumers everywhere are back in the winter mindset and need take a few important
steps to be better prepared for future storms. During the extremely cold winter
weather expected this weekend, and snow expected in several areas across the
Northeast, homes and business that use propane to generate heat or run appliances
should make sure to take the following steps to keep everyone safe and warm:

1. Check your chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and propane tank for damage,
blockage, or debris caused by snow or ice. Use a broom rather than a shovel, and
clear these areas frequently. This will help reduce the possibility of carbon
monoxide poisoning due to blocked or damaged chimneys, flues, and vents.
2. Keep path to propane tanks clear as winter progresses. Ensure that there is
always a clear path to your tank for deliveries, including your filler pipe.
3. Use extreme caution when operating portable generators. Never use a portable
generator (gasoline, diesel, or propane) indoors or in enclosed areas. This can
result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death.
4. Never use a stove for space heating and never use outdoor propane appliances
indoors or in enclosed areas. Proper ventilation is necessary for their safe
operation; and carbon monoxide fumes emitted can be lethal. Only use appliances
indoors that are designed and approved for indoor use.

If you smell gas inside or outside of your home or business, follow these instructions:

1. No flames or sparks! Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open
flames. Do not operate or turn on or off lights, appliances, telephones or cell
phones.
2. Leave the area immediately. Get everyone out of the building or area where you
suspect gas is leaking.
3. 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).
4. Report the leak. From a neighbor’s home or other 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.
5. Do not return to the building or area until your propane retailer, emergency
responder, or qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.
6. 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.

The Propane Gas Association of New England also offers an interactive online safety
module for winter preparedness at www.propanesafety.com/winterstorm-preparedness.
And there are more safety tips are online at www.pgane.org and
www.propanecomfort.com.

About the Propane Gas Association of New England (PGANE):
The Propane Gas Association of New England serves more than 700 members of the
propane industry by promoting safety, education, and public awareness of the uses of
propane.