Propane Safety LP Truck Propane and Tornado Safety

With the summer heating up, we want to give you a few reassuring tips to help you stay safe during the tornado weather season.

Do what you can to follow these simple tornado and propane safety tips, and you’ll be able to rest easier knowing that your family and property are as safe as possible!

  1. Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, as well as UL-listed propane gas detectors for added security to help detect gas leaks.
    It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when installing detectors to avoid inaccurate readings. Also regularly check, test,I  and replace batteries in your alarms.
  2. Know what propane smells like. Propane has a strong, distinct odor that some describe as smelling like rotten eggs.
  3. Many people who love to grill with propane find it handy to have a second tank on hand. Make sure to store spare propane cylinders in a safe location, not in a basement or other enclosed areas.  If you have a propane-fueled generator to use in case of a power outage, make sure to keep it in a safe location as well.
  4. Know the location of your water and gas shut-off valves and how to turn them off quickly. Knowledge and control of your utilities are very important and helpful, especially when thinking quickly on your feet.
  5. Keep a battery-powered radio on hand so that you can stay tuned to local news and weather reports. Also, know what to grab or leave in your basement or other designated safe place that you may want like a flashlight or emergency phone numbers.
  6. Just like schools practice regular tornado drills and have age-appropriate conversations with children, you should also do the same at home so that everyone knows what to do and where to go in the event of a tornado warning. If you experience a power outage, notify your utility company. Make sure to have plenty of battery-operated lights and extra blankets on hand. And, if possible, try to stay with friends or family who have power so you can stay warm and safe.
  7. If you find yourself in the aftermath of a tornado, the most important thing to do is to use caution. Take the time to carefully evaluate the condition of all the structures on your property, including checking for downed power lines, damaged gas lines, or damage to your propane tank. If you are concerned about the condition of your propane tank, or you simply want to exercise extra caution and have things check over, call us immediately at 320-256-3680. We want to keep you safe, so please do not attempt repairs yourself.
  8. Schedule a time for a service technician from Rahn’s Oil & Propane to perform a complete inspection of your propane system, especially if you suspect any of your propane equipment has possibly received any storm damage. We will check for any damage and make sure your system is operating safely and efficiently. Call us today at 320-256-3680 to schedule an appointment

Following these tips will help to ensure your safety should bad weather strike. For more information on how to keep your family safe, view the PDF guide below:

Weather Safety Guidelines (PDF)

Source: Propane Education & Resource Council