Propane Safety at Southern States

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Propane is a safe fuel, and provides a warm cozy environment. Did you know that propane furnaces typically warm air to around 140 degrees, compared to around 98 degrees on electric models? That's why homes heated with propane feel so cozy in the winter.

But propane does need to be handled safely. Everyone in your home should know what to do if they suspect a leak. Your whole family should know the smell of propane, and you should always call to report if you smell gas. We have certified professionals who can check your propane system to ensure that you're safe.

Propane users should also be aware of the signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. All appliances that burn fossil fuels have some potential to produce, or fail to vent, excess CO.

Download our safety brochure, and go over it with your whole family. Once you've covered all the necessary safety information with your household, you can just sit back and enjoy the warmth.

All Southern States propane locations are locally managed and active supporters of the cities and towns they serve. At Southern States, we believe in community.

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Safety Highlights

If You Smell Gas
	NO FLAMES OR SPARKS! Immediately put out all smoking material sand other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparkes from these sources can trigger an explosion or a 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. From a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call yoru propane retailer right away. If you can’t reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.
	DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA until your propane retailer determines that it is safe to do so.
	GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your enter system to ensure that it is leak-free.
Can You Smell It?
	Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal. Some people may have difficulty smelling propane due to their age (older people may have a less sensitive sense of smell); a medical condition; or the effects of medications, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Consider purchasing a propane gas detector as an additional measure of security. Odor Fade is an unintended reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane, making it more difficult to smell. Although rare, several situations can cause odor fade: The presence of air, water, or rust in a propane tank or cylinder. The passage of leaking propane through the soil.
	Since there is a possibility of odor fade or problems with your sense of smell, you should respond immediately to even a faint odor of gas.
Propane Gas Detectors
	Propane gas detectors sound an alarm if they sense propane in the air. They can provide an additional measure of security in homes with little-used areas or with occupants who have difficulty smelling propane.
	Guidelines regarding propane gas detectors: Buy only units that are listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation and maintenance. Never ignore the smell of propane, even if no detector is sounding an alarm.