June is Propane Safety Month, which is both an excellent excuse to brush up on a few important habits and the most niche holiday you’ll celebrate all year. Either way, it’s worth a few minutes of your time. Propane is a safe, efficient fuel when handled properly, and a little awareness goes a long way in keeping your Pennsylvania or Maryland home running smoothly.
Know What Propane Smells Like
Propane is naturally odorless, but an additive gives it that unmistakable “rotten egg” or “skunk-like” smell. It’s purposefully offensive, so you can detect leaks quickly. If you ever catch a whiff of it inside or near your home, take it seriously.
If you suspect a leak:
- Get everyone out of the house immediately, including pets.
- Avoid using anything that could create a spark, like light switches, phones, or appliances.
- Shut off the gas supply valve on your tank if it’s safe to do so.
- Call us and your local fire department from a safe distance.
- Don’t return home until a qualified professional has given the all-clear.
Memorizing those steps now is much easier than trying to recall them in the moment.
Related Post: Propane Safety Tips for Homeowners in Pennsylvania & Maryland
Keep the Area Around Your Tank Clear
Your propane tank doesn’t ask for much, but it does appreciate some breathing room. Keep tall grass, shrubs, and debris away from the tank and regulator. In winter, clear snow and ice off the top so pressure can vent properly. And please, no grilling, smoking, or open flames nearby.
Schedule Regular Tune-Ups for Propane Appliances
Furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and fireplaces all benefit from a yearly tune-up by a qualified technician. Regular maintenance helps catch small issues before they become big ones and keeps your equipment running safely and efficiently.
Install and Test Detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors are a must in any home with fuel-burning appliances. Test them regularly, replace the batteries when needed, and swap out the units themselves according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Don’t Wait Until You Run Out
A runout isn’t just inconvenient. It can also be a safety concern, since restarting a system after the tank empties requires a professional pressure test and relight. Enrolling in automatic delivery takes the guesswork out of it entirely.
Related Post: Your Propane Tank Called: It Wants a Monitor
Stay Safe with Great Valley Propane
At Great Valley Propane, safety isn’t a seasonal thing. It’s something we focus on every day for our customers. Whether you need reliable propane deliveries or just have a question about your setup, we’re here to help. Contact us today, and let’s keep your home safe, comfortable, and well-fueled all year long.
