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Safety
Important Propane Safety Information
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
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1. 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. |
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4. REPORT THE LEAK.
From a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak,
call your propane retailer right away. If you can’t reach your propane
retailer, call 911 or your local fire department. |
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2. LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY!
Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking. |
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5. DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA
until your propane retailer determines it is safe to do so. |
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3. 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). |
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6. GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED.
Before your attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane
retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire
system to ensure that it is leak-free. |
COMO WANTS YOU TO BE WARM AND SAFE THIS WINTER.
Because of higher heating costs, the National Fire Protection
Association expects increased use of supplemental heating sources this
winter, such as space heaters and wood stoves. With increased use comes increased fire risk.
Most fireplace and chimney fires are caused by creosote build-up.
The leading cause of space heater fires is combustibles too close to
the heaters.
Please check these safety tips for those that apply to your home:
- Keep or maintain a 36-inch clearance between space heaters
and anything that can burn. Never store paints, thinners or other
solvents near your furnace or water heater.
- Have furnaces,
wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, chimney connectors and all
other heating equipment inspected annually by a professional and
cleaned as often as inspectors suggest. Use only wood that is properly
seasoned to reduce creosote build-up.
- Make sure your
fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the
room. Allow fireplace and wood stove ashes to cool before disposing in a
metal container.
- Have any gas-fueled heating device
installed with proper attention to ventilation. If unvented gas space
heaters are used in bedrooms or bathrooms, make sure they are small and
well-mounted. NFPA codes prohibit use of liquefied petroleum gas
heaters with self-contained fuel supplies.
- Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Keep all-purpose fire extinguishers on each floor of your home. Check them regularly. Know how to use them.
- Know the location of gas and oil shutoff valves, and how to use them.
- Keep upstairs heating and return air duct openings clear.
- Never hang things from gas pipes or fuel oil pipes.
- Teach your children what to do in an emergency.
- When
properly installed and maintained, propane and heating oil systems are
among the safest heat sources anywhere. However, there are some basic
safety measures you should take in the unlikely event you are
experiencing difficulties with your heating system.
Note: If you ever have any questions about safety, please call your local Como office.
- Propane has a specially added odorant to alert you that it is
present. If you ever smell propane in your home, shut off your tank
immediately and call your propane provider.
- Know how to shut off your propane tank.
- Do not try to judge if a leak is serious or not. Any leak is serious.
- A
propane detector is a great idea, especially in homes where an
individual's sense of smell has been compromised (the elderly, smokers,
etc.).
- Propane is heavier than air, and thus settles in low-level areas, such as basements. Be aware of this if you do not
frequently enter your basement.
- Fuel oil has a very pungent odor. If you smell it, contact your heating fuel provider immediately.
- Visually inspect your heating fuel tank for rust spots or leaks.
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