Propane Safety Information

Know how to keep your home and loved ones safe

Because there are high standards for safety set by the propane industry, propane service companies like Southeast Propane, and stringent government regulations, propane has an outstanding safety record.

However, you need to know about the safe handling and use of propane. That’s why we’ve put together some key safety tips for you.

What do I do if I smell gas?

This may be the most important propane safety information you need. Because if you know these steps, and follow them, you can manage the situation and keep everyone around you safe. Here’s what to do:

• Know what propane gas smells like. On its own, propane has no odor. That’s why an odorant is added during production, so leaks can be detected. The smell is most commonly described as being like rotten eggs.
• Don’t panic. Remember these steps and follow them calmly so the situation can be resolved quickly, safely and effectively.
• Extinguish any potential sources of ignition such as cigarettes or candles.
• Get everyone, including pets, out of the house IMMEDIATELY.
• Do not use phones, light switches, appliances or thermostats as you are leaving the house. These can generate a spark that can cause the leaking propane to combust.
• If you can safely get to it, turn off the propane supply valve on your propane tank. By the way, if you don’t know how to do that, now is a good time to get in touch with us and we’ll happily tell you how.
• Call 911 and Southeast Propane as soon as you’re a safe distance away from the site of the leak.
• Give emergency personnel and our service technicians time to check for escaped propane gas and perform any needed repairs.
• Do not go back to the area where the leak was, or try to turn on the propane supply valve, even if you no longer smell gas.
• Have a trained propane service technician repair the leak, carefully inspect all gas appliances and relight all pilots.
• Don’t return until you have permission from emergency personnel or the service technician.

We strongly recommend you install propane leak detectors near all the propane appliances in your home. Sometimes, the odorant isn’t strong enough to detect by smell alone. Also, carbon monoxide detectors, while also essential, are not designed to detect propane leaks.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has developed the videos below so you can find out all about the propane safety, with topics including the safe handling and transport of propane cylinders, care of propane appliances and more.