Propane Safety
Follow these best practices to keep your home and loved ones safe
Propane is one of the safest energy sources around, thanks to strict regulations and high industry standards upheld by propane companies like Snedeker Energy.
However, there are some things you should know about propane safety.
I smell propane gas. What do I do?
To help keep everyone around you safe, be sure to follow these steps—they may just be the most essential pieces of propane information you need! Here’s what actions to take, starting with knowing what propane gas smells like :
- Propane has no natural odor. That is why an odorant is added during processing to make propane leaks easier to detect. The smell is commonly described as being like rotten eggs or a skunk’s spray.
- Extinguish any potential sources of ignition, such as cigarettes or candles.
- Don’t stay in the house or try to figure out the source of the leak.
- Evacuate the house without delay.
- As you are leaving do not use phones, light switches, appliances or thermostats. A spark from these devices could cause the leaking propane gas to ignite.
- If you can access it safely, make sure to turn off the propane supply valve on your tank.
- As soon as you’ve safely distanced yourself from the scene of the leak, call 911 and Snedeker Energy.
- Allow emergency personnel and our service technicians time to check for any leaked propane gas as well as to perform necessary repairs.
- Do not return to the site of the leak or attempt to turn the propane supply valve back on, even if there is no longer a smell of gas.
- Have a trained propane service technician repair the leak, carefully inspect all gas appliances and relight all pilots.
- Don’t return until you have permission from emergency personnel or the service technician.
To ensure the safety of your home and family, we strongly advocate installing propane leak detectors close to all propane-powered appliances. Sometimes the odorant is not strong enough for you to detect it by smell alone, so this is essential. While carbon monoxide detectors are vital too, they aren’t built to recognize propane leaks.
If you’re curious about propane safety, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has created a series of comprehensive videos. You’ll learn how to handle and transport propane cylinders with ease and maintain your appliances properly; all in all, you’ll develop an understanding of safe practices when using propane.
