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As you know, winter weather can get pretty wicked here in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire and Maine.
If it’s not a Nor’easter, it’s a run-of-the-mill snowstorm. We could get an ice storm, or a blast of arctic air.
Whatever winter dishes out, propane is a great fuel for keeping your home warm and comfortable. But you need to know a little about propane safety to make sure your home and family are safe. We have some tips to help you do that:
Making sure you have enough propane to keep your home warm is critical. You need enough propane not only to get through a storm, but several days after that because roads may be impassable and deliveries may be delayed. If there is bad weather in the forecast and your propane tank is around 30 percent full (or less), contact PitStop Fuels to schedule a propane delivery. By the way, now is a good time to enroll in automatic propane delivery. Contact us to learn more about it!
Carbon monoxide (CO) has no color and no odor. It is dangerous and potentially lethal. You must have at least one CO detector on each level in your home, as well as outside all bedrooms. Test your detectors and replace the batteries regularly. CO detectors five years old or more need to be replaced. You should also install a propane leak detector, which protects against odor loss in the unlikely event of a propane leak. Know the symptoms of CO poisoning, including headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, dizziness, weakness and confusion. Infants, children, the elderly and people with heart or breathing problems are especially vulnerable to CO poisoning. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, or smell the rotten-egg odor of gas in your home, get everyone out IMMEDIATELY and call 911 and PitStop Fuels.
Vents, flues and chimneys need to be clear of snow, ice and debris in order to vent exhaust out of your home properly and prevent a carbon monoxide buildup. Don’t let snow stay on or around your propane tank, as the cold from it can lower pressure inside the tank and affect how (or if) your propane equipment and appliances operate. Clear snow off of the tank, vents, piping, surrounding area and valves with a broom. Keep a clear and safe path to the propane tank and mark its location using a pole tall enough to be seen over the snow, and put a bright-colored flag on top so our delivery drivers know where your tank is. When clearing your driveway, make sure that it’s cleared wide enough for our trucks to safely get down the driveway.
NEVER use outdoor propane equipment like portable propane generators or propane BBQ grills indoors or in covered or enclosed spaces like garages, sunporches or carports. Propane stoves or ovens should not be used for indoor heating, either.
If you have a propane whole-house backup generator, make sure you have enough propane to last at least a week. Check the tank gauge level ahead of any bad weather and contact PitStop Fuels right away for a propane delivery if you need one. Run your generator for around 30 minutes once a month so that the moving parts stay lubricated, and to check for potential problems.
Count on PitStop Fuels for dependable and safe propane delivery to get you throughout the Maine winter season. Become a customer today and experience the difference.
