Warning Signs
- If you can’t light or keep the pilot lit in your hot water heater, there is most likely a safety feature working to warn you that there is a problem. Turn off the gas and call your local propane supplier.
- If the burner on your range is not blue there may be a clog that needs servicing immediately.
Be Prepared
- Make sure you and your family know what propane smells like: propane has a strong, unpleasant smell (like rotten eggs or a skunk’s spray).
- Show your family where the outdoor propane supply and indoor propane appliances are located, and teach them how to turn them off.
- Consider anchoring or bracing your tank to help prevent it from moving, sliding, or falling over during an earthquake. Contact DLE for more information.
- Clear the area surrounding your tank of any tall or heavy objects that could fall on it during a storm or earthquake.
- Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector on every level of your home.
- Make a list of instructions on how to turn off electricity, propane, and water supplies, and post the list in a convenient location that is made known to all family members.
If You Think You Smell Gas
- DO NOT turn on or off light switches, appliances or thermostats
- Evacuate everyone from the building immediately
- Shut off the gas supply from an outside tank
- Call your local propane suppliers office or fire department immediately from a telephone outside of the building and stay outside
Because propane is denser than air, if you have a leak, it will settle on the floor in areas that are not properly ventilated. Any ignition source could cause an explosion.
Out of Propane
This is an uncommon occurrence and your out of gas situation may be caused by an unknown leak rather than neglect. Insurance statistics show that most accidents involving propane are caused by homeowners trying to re-light their pilots after running out of gas. If your pilot is out, call your propane supplier. They will more than likely send a qualified service technician to diagnose the problem.
