Like it or not, winter is coming and we need to try to be prepared. Living in Minnesota means that there is potential to receive large amounts of snow in the upcoming months. The Propane Education & Research Council (knows as PERC ) has provided the following propane winter safety tips and actions that should be taken each year to prepare for whatever the Minnesota winter has in store.
Be Prepared and Stay Safe This Winter
Before the snow
- Prepare for your propane tank to be easily located in the event of extremely deep snowfall by marking your tank with a colored flag or pole taller than the highest amount of snow ever received in your area.
- Check that you always have adequate supply of propane in your tank before any forecasted snowstorms.
- Have a regular delivery of propane scheduled with your propane provider so you are always prepared.
- Contact your propane supplier about placing a “snow shelter” above your gas piping, meter or regulator to prevent snow and ice damage.
- Talk to your snow removal service about planning to keep a 10 foot wide pathway cleared to your propane tank at all times during the winter months.
During the snow
- Check during the storm that your propane tank, meter and piping are all clear of snow and ice. A soft brush is recommended to use to clear the snow and ice.
- Use extreme caution if plowing or shoveling near your tank so not to cause any damage or leaking.
- Contact your propane retailer if you notice extreme ice buildup, do not try to chip at it or hit any equipment.
- Always check that your appliance vents and chimney flues are cleared during a snow or ice storm to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
After the snow
- Be alert of snow buildup on your roof, trees or anything that could fall onto your propane system.
- Check that there isn’t heavy ice buildup on any parts of your propane equipment.
- When removing snow from your roof, always make sure you shovel it away from your propane system.
- Clear a 10 foot wide pathway to your propane tank to allow for easy delivery.
“For your safety and the safety of others, designate a responsible person or party, such as your property management company or a snow removal service, to monitor your propane system regularly while you are away. ”
– Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)
