Safety Information Regarding Gas in Your Home
If you ever smell gas, take these steps to keep you and your family safe.
Leave the area right away- do not try to find the source of the leak.
Avoid operating anything that could cause a spark- light switches, appliances, phones, vehicles.
Shut off the main gas supply if it’s safe- turn the valve on your propane tank clockwise.
Move to a safe distance and call your propane retailer immediately. Call 911 if you cannot reach your retailer or believe the leak is dangerous.
Do not re-enter the home or building until a qualified technician or emergency professional says it is safe.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Propane is a clean, reliable fuel – but like any fuel-burning appliance, it must be used safely. One of the most important safety topics is carbon monoxide {CO).
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide {CO) is a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas that can be produced when appliances are not burning propane properly.
How Can Propane Appliances Create CO?
Propane is safe when appliances are installed and maintained correctly. CO can be produced when:
- A burner has dirt, soot, or debris buildup
- A vent or flue is blocked or damaged
- An appliance is running without enough fresh air
- Equipment is old or improperly adjusted
- A pilot light goes out frequently {sign of a problem)
If you suspect an appliance isn’t working right, stop using it and call for service
immediately.
Signs of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
CO poisoning is dangerous because it mimics other illnesses. Watch for:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion
- Weakness or fainting
- Chest pain
If anyone shows symptoms, get to fresh air and immediately call 911.
Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
Install CO Detectors
- Place detectors on every level of your home
- Install near bedrooms so alarms will wake you
- Test alarms monthly
- Replace batteries yearly and units every 5-7 years
Have Appliances Serviced Annually
Have a trained propane technician inspect:
- Furnaces
- Water Heaters
- Fireplaces
- Space heaters
- Gas stoves & dryers
- Generators
Regular maintenance prevents CO problems.
Keep Vents & Flues Clear
- Ensure all vent pipes stay securely connected
- Keep outdoor exhaust vents free of snow, ice, leaves, or debris
- Never use portable propane heaters indoors unless they are rated for indoor use
Never Use Outdoor Appliances Indoors
This includes:
- BBQ grills
- Patio heaters
- Propane camp heaters
- Generators
These are for outdoor use only & can quickly create deadly CO indoors
Know the Difference: Propane vs. CO
- Propane has a strong odor added to it (smells like rotten eggs or sulfer)
- Carbon monoxide has NO smell
If you smell propane, treat it as a gas leak.
If you don’t smell propane but feel sick, it could be CO.
If Your CO Alarm goes off
- Get everyone outside to fresh air
- Call 911
- Do not re-enter until emergency professional say it’s safe
- Call your propane company to check your system after emergency crews finish
Dangers of Running Out of Propane
Running out of propane is more than an inconvenience – it can create serious safety risks for your home or business. Here’s why:
Your System Can Develop Leaks
When a tank runs empty, the pressure in your lines changes. This pressure drop can cause:
• Appliance pilot lights to go out
• Valves and connectors to loosen
• Potential propane leaks when the tank is refilled
A leak check is required after running out for safety.
Pilot Lights May Go Out
Furnaces, water heaters, and stoves may shut off when propane runs out. When the tank is refilled:
• Gas can accumulate before the pilot reignites
• This can create a fire or explosion hazard
Only a trained technician should relight pilots after an outage.
Appliances Can be Damaged
Repeatedly running out of propane can cause damage to:
- Regulators
- Gas valves
- Furnaces
- Water heaters
- Generators
Repairs can be costly – and preventable.
Required Leak & Safety Checks
By law and for safety, propane companies must perform:
• A pressure test
• A leak check
• Appliance safety inspection
Before turning the system back on after an outage. This protects you and your property.
Winter Risk: Frozen or Cracked Lines
In cold Kansas winters, an empty tank can allow moisture inside the lines, which may:
• Freeze
• Cause blockages
• Lead to cracked or split lines
This creates additional leak risks when refilled.
Loss of Heat = Risk to People & Property
An empty tank can lead to:
• Frozen pipes
• Damage to the home
• Dangerous indoor temperatures for families, pets, and livestock
How to Avoid Running out of Propane
Sign up for Keep-Full Service
We monitor your usage and fill your tank before it runs low.
Check Your Gauge Regularly
Call for a refill at 20-30%
Keep Your Tank Clear in the Winter
Ensure snow or ice doesn’t block access for deliveries.
If You Do Run Out of Propane
- Call your propane company immediately
- Expect a required leak check before service is restored
- Do not relight appliances yourself
- Do not use heaters not approved for indoor use
Additional Resources
Here are some links that may be beneficial to you as a propane customer. If you still have any questions after reading through these, please give us a call!