For families across the United States, summertime means getting ready to enjoy the great outdoors—and a big part of that is stocking up on propane fuel for grills, farm equipment, and camping gear. If that describes your upcoming summer, Main Energy, a family-owned oil company working out of Palmyra, NY, hopes you’ll turn to them for all of your propane needs.

More importantly, they want you to stay safe and follow these tips for safe propane storage and handling:

• Learn to Recognize & Prepare for Propane Leaks: If you don’t recognize the smell, find a safety pamphlet with a scratch-and-sniff patch, or contact your local propane supplier for safety information. Also, ensure your propane leak detector has plenty of batteries, or invest in one if you haven’t already.

• Ensure Valve Is Closed When Not in Use: When turning off a propane-powered device, double-check that the valve is completely closed.

• Don’t Store Propane Cylinders Indoors: It isn’t safe to store propane cylinders inside your home—especially not in basements, crawlspaces, or garages. Instead, choose a cool, open-air storage area (with roof) at least 20 feet away from your house.

• Store Propane Tanks Above-Grade: Store propane in a flat area, above-grade in comparison to your home, where no one goes. Since propane gas is heavier than air, potential leaks will collect near the ground, making this area a dangerous place to walk during the worst-case scenario.

• Keep Area Around Propane Tanks Clear: Propane tanks should be clear on all sides by at least a 10-foot radius. Some people spread out gravel or beauty bark in this area to prevent the growth of grass, shrubs, and other foliage.

Propane safety regulations are very reliable—but they’re even more reliable when you follow the above best practices. To stock up on propane for the summer, give Main Energy a call at (315) 597-5200. More information about their propane and farm fuel services is available online.