Propane Safety Information For Your Home

I SMELL GAS. WHAT DO I DO?

This may be the most crucial propane safety information you’ll ever read. Because if you follow these instructions, and execute them carefully, you can better control the situation and keep everyone else safe. Here’s what you need to do.

• Know what propane gas smells like. Propane doesn’t have an odor by itself, so an additive is included during production. This way, any leaks can be easily detected. The scent has been most often described as being similar to rotten eggs.
• Keeping a level head is crucial during an emergency. Remember these steps and follow them calmly so that the situation can be resolved quickly, safely and effectively.
• Any potential sources of ignition, such as cigarettes or candles, should be immediately put out.
• Get everyone, including pets, out of the house IMMEDIATELY.
• Do not use any electronics that may generate a spark as you leave the house, such as light switches, phones, appliances or thermostats. Remember: a spark from these can cause the leaking propane to combust.
• Turn off the propane supply valve on your propane tank if you can get to it safely. By the way, if you don’t know how to turn it off, now is a great time to reach out to us and we’ll gladly show you how.
• As soon as you are a safe distance away from the location of the leak, call 911 and Taylor Energy.
• Give emergency responders and our service staff time to search for leaked propane gas and make any required repairs. A trained propane service professional will repair the leak, thoroughly inspect all gas appliances and relight all pilots.
• Even if you don’t smell gas anymore, do not return to the location where the leak was or try to turn on the propane supply valve.
• Don’t go back inside until you’ve gotten clearance from emergency personnel or the service technician.

We strongly advise that you install propane leak detectors near all your home’s propane appliances. Sometimes the odorant isn’t strong enough to be detected by smell alone, or your sense of smell may be impaired by a cold or the flu. Carbon monoxide detectors, while also essential, are not designed to detect propane leaks.

To ensure your safety while using propane, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has created the videos below. Covering topics such as the proper handling and transportation of propane cylinders, how to take care of your propane appliances and more, these videos will give you the information you need to stay safe.