The P. Gagnon & Son Blog

Using Propane In Severe Weather: 5 Safety Tips

Keep your home safe and warm this winter

winter storm tips maineWinter weather has hit the Seacoast region of New Hampshire and Maine in recent weeks.

Now is the time to be sure you’re ready for the next round of severe winter weather by following these tips for propane safety and your home.

  1. Keep an eye on your propane tank gauge. When a cold snap or winter storm is in the forecast, you need to make sure you have enough propane to get through it, so contact P. Gagnon & Son right away to schedule a propane delivery. You shouldn’t let your tank get down to 25 percent full or lower before contacting us. This is also a very good time to enroll in our Automatic Delivery.
  2. Check your generator. If you have a whole house propane generator, make sure that it has enough propane to last at least a week in case there is a power outage. You should also run the generator for about 20 minutes once a month so the generator’s moving parts stay lubricated.
  3. Be careful about carbon monoxide. You should have carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, and one outside all bedrooms. Test all of them and replace the batteries. Replace any that are more than five years old. We strongly recommend that you install propane leak detectors to protect against odor loss in the unlikely event of a propane leak.
  4. Use propane appliances properly. If you use a portable generator when there’s a power outage, NEVER use it indoors or in an enclosed area such as a garage, sunporch or carport. That also applies to propane grills and any other outdoor propane appliances. And don’t use propane stoves for indoor heating.
  5. Know what to do in severe weather. Prevent carbon monoxide buildup in your home by keeping your vents, chimney and flue cleared of snow and other debris. Clear snow off your propane tank and tank regulators, piping, vents, tubes and valves. Use a broom instead of a shovel to protect the tank and parts from damage.

P. Gagnon & Son is the company to count on for safe and reliable propane delivery so your home will be warm and comfortable in winter weather. Contact us today and become a customer!