Propane Safety for New York Residents
Propane is a safe, clean-burning, nontoxic energy source that is affordable and efficient for heating and power, making it a top choice for local NY homeowners and business owners. As with any heating fuel, propane users must take certain precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others when using propane. Have questions? Contact us by phone for the fastest response:
GIVE US A CALL AT (518) 756-3127
If You Smell Propane Gas
Propane has an added odorant that smells like rotten egg, a dead animal, or a skunk’s spray to aid in detection of a leak. If you think you smell propane gas on your property, follow these steps to get yourself and your family out safety so the system can be inspected by a propane professional:
- No flames or sparks! Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or fire.
- Leave the area immediately! Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
- Shut off the gas. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
- Report the leak immediately. From a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call C.A. Albright & Sons right away. If you can’t reach us, call 911 or your local fire department.
- Do not return to the building or area until C.A. Albright, an emergency responder, or qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.
- Get your system checked. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, a C.A. Albright technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak free.
Propane Safety Tips
The best way to deal with a propane emergency is not to have one in the first place. Help your family or employees stay aware of the safest ways to handle propane appliances by reviewing the list below. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our team; we’re always happy to help.
- Store flammable liquids away from your propane equipment. The pilot light on your propane appliance can ignite vapors from gasoline, paint thinners, and other flammable liquids. Be sure to store and use flammable liquids outdoors or in an area of the building containing no propane appliances.
- Call us if you need assistance. If you cannot operate any part of your propane system, or if you think an appliance or other device is not working properly, call your propane retailer or a qualified service technician for assistance.
- Be sure your appliances maintain proper ventilation. Check the vents of your appliances to be sure that flue gases can flow easily to the outdoors, and clear away any insect or bird nests or other debris. Also, clear the area around your appliances so plenty of air can reach the burner for proper combustion.
- Keep your small cylinders outside. Do not store or place a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent
- Leave it to professionals. Only a qualified service technician has the training to install, inspect, service, maintain, and repair your appliances. Have your appliances and propane system inspected just before the start of each heating season.
- Do not try to modify or repair any valves, regulators, connectors, controls, or other appliance and cylinder/tank parts. Doing so creates the risk of a gas leak that can result in property damage, serious injury, or death.
Have remaining questions? Contact our team!