Winter storms can significantly impact an area, causing high winds, limited visibility, and leaving behind an abundance of snow. Propane homeowners in the path of a winter storm this season will be well-served to take a few proactive steps to help safeguard their homes.
Propane is a safe, reliable, and efficient energy source that will provide homeowners with comfort throughout the winter season, but accumulated snow and ice have the potential to damage the propane system, so it’s never too soon to review a few safety precautions that will go a long way to ensuring a home is best prepared for the wrath of winter.
Learn more about how propane is made to see what makes it a safe, reliable, and efficient energy source.
Start preparing for a winter storm or blizzard by reviewing the following safety measures. More winter storm safety information can be found at Propane.com/Winter-Storms.
- Get to know your propane system if you are not familiar with it. Identify core components— tank, regulators, meter, piping, and supply valves — as well as any appliance vents. Be sure you know where your gas supply valve is located, in case you need to close it in the event of an emergency.
- Mark your tank and regulator. Mark your tank with a brightly colored stake or flag taller than the maximum anticipated snow depth. This is important to enable emergency and propane service personnel to locate it at all times.
- Have an adequate supply of propane in your tank. In high snowfall areas, roads leading to your home might not be accessible for delivery, particularly after a snowstorm. If there’s still time, contact your propane supplier and fill up your tank.
- Talk to your contractors. If you use a snow removal service, make sure that the service knows the location of all propane equipment on the property.
- Keep snow and ice from accumulating on propane equipment. Gently brush away snow or ice that has accumulated around the tank, meter, regulator, and any other piping using a broom or by hand.
- Be alert to snow buildup on rooftops and other areas. Frequently check where snow or ice collect on your roof, structure, or nearby trees and clear it if you believe it might fall on any part of your propane system.
- Keep vents clear. Appliance vents and chimney flues need to be clear of snow or ice, too. Some homes may have “direct” vents, which are close to the ground.
- Clear driveways and pathways to propane tanks. When clearing snow, remember that a propane delivery truck needs at least a 10-foot-wide path to be able to deliver fuel to your home. Also, keep the tank area and a path to the tank free of snow.
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask the experts for help. If any questions arise before, during, or after the winter storm with regards to your home’s propane system, contact your propane supplier. For more safety information about protecting your propane home during a winter storm or blizzard, visit Propane.com/Winter-Storms.
