Six summer propane safety reminders

When it comes to safety, propane gas has one of the best records of any fuel around –and that’s great news, considering how many uses this versatile fuel can have inside and outside your Vermont home!

But as with any fuel, care is needed when you’re using propane to power your appliances; since June is National Safety Month, now is the perfect time for a refresher on propane safety basics for the summer months ahead.

Keep these tips in mind as the summer heats up in New England:

1. Keep space around your propane-burning appliances – Keep your propane grill, space heater or fire feature at least three feet from building openings and ten feet from any air intake device to keep propane vapor from entering your home. Keep propane equipment away from flammable materials such as fences, wood, and vinyl siding, as well as from any materials that emit combustible fumes (including paint and other finishing products).
2. Store cylinders upright and outdoors – If you use refillable propane cylinders, never store them indoors (inside garages, storage sheds, etc.) or on their sides.
3. Hire a pro for installations – Propane equipment, including propane tanks, must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and in compliance with all appropriate propane regulations, codes, and standards. To make sure this is the case, always have your propane equipment installed by a professional.
4. Maintain your equipment – Professional maintenance for propane equipment will spot problems that could cause safety risks for your family – be sure to have your propane equipment inspected and serviced every year.
5. Practice barbecue grill safety – Grills are responsible for more than 10,000 house fires – not to mention thousands of injuries – every year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Check out this video for more NFPA propane grilling safety tips.
6. Review propane safety tips with your family – Summer is a great time for a short refresher course on propane safety: be sure your family knows what to do in the event of a propane emergency, especially if you smell propane gas.

June is National Safety Month – be sure to practice propane safety inside and outside your Vermont home! If you have any questions about propane safety, contact us – your safety is always our priority are Jack F. Corse Fuels!