Propane offers an eco-friendly, affordable way to fuel your furnace, cook, and power the water heater. Homeowners should understand some key safety tips to maintain these storage containers and appliances that use the gas. Here are some tips to keep your family safe around this flammable material.

How to Stay Safe Around Propane

1. Avoid Overfilling the Tank

Propane tanks have overfill protection devices that alert a user that they’ve reached the safe fill point to prevent passing the critical limit. The gas needs room to expand, and overfilling the container could lead to ruptures in it’s structure, along with fire-related accidents. Keep the fuel in its original tank to avoid this issue and ensure people around know that the contents are flammable.

2. Schedule Inspections Regularly

Homeowners should have their propane tanks and appliances inspected yearly to look for leaks, corrosion, and ventilation issues. The gas containers are usually made with steel, which can rust over time and pose a leak risk. You will gain peace of mind by having professionals assess these containers and devices to lower the chances of dangerous vapors and preventable explosions.

3. Keep Flammable Liquids Outside

Gas ovens, water heaters, and stoves feature pilot lights, which are small flames that help light the burners or heat sources. These features can start a fire-related accident or injury if you expose them to something flammable like paint thinners or gasoline. Keep potentially dangerous chemicals outside of the home and away from exterior propane tanks to prevent this risk.

4. Don’t Connect Appliances Yourself

Call a propane professional to hook up any appliances that use gas. They will know how to minimize the danger by turning off the fuel source before removing the old appliance and installing the new one. Your professional will ignite the pilot light and ensure the device has ventilation to encourage airflow and promote energy efficiency.

5. Call an Expert for Emergencies

Leaking propane can smell like rotten eggs or skunk spray. If you notice this scent or a hissing sound near the tank, remove pets and human residents from the property and call a gas expert. These highly trained technicians will safely approach leaking containers and perform repairs so you and your family can continue living in your home safely.

Homeowners interested in propane delivery should schedule recurring drop-offs with Tri-County Propane Inc. in Warren County, OH. The company offers gas containers for sale or rent and provides tank repairs. Call the Loveland-area fuel company at (513) 583-1868 or visit the website to learn about their gas sales and 24/7 emergency services.