My Propane Gas Detector Went Off...Now What?

Propane is a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly fuel, but like several fuel it needs to be handled with care. You have already taken precautions and have installed a propane gas detector. But what do you do when it actually goes off? Are you prepared? Read on to learn how to maintain your family protected while you're using propane, and what to do in the event of an emergency.

Propane has a chemical added to it that produces a nasty, rotten egg smell. Why? In order that if any gas is leaking into your home, it is possible for you to to detect it. However, if you are sleeping, or you could have a cold, this early warning system is probably not enough. A propane gas detector will wake you up, and get your attention early enough to take action.

If the propane gas detector sounds, do not panic! Make sure that there are not any open flames anyplace in your home and if there are, put them out immediately. This includes cigarettes and other smoking materials. Don't touch or use any electrical appliances, even light switches or your telephone. Propane becomes very flammable when it's mixed with the air, and it can be ignited by flames, electrical sparks, even static. Do not unplug anything, or turn anything on or off.

That said, if any propane appliances are on, turn them off and extinguish any pilot lights.

Next, get away from the house. Get everyone a safe distance away. Then, you can use your cell phone to call emergency services. Have the number on your fire department and your propane firm handy, either saved on your entire cell telephones or saved in the car. In case you are ready, go and turn off the supply valves while another person makes the call.

Be certain that no-one enters the home till it has been declared safe. Before you use any of your propane appliances, have them inspected by a technician to make sure that they are working properly. have someone come out and examine your tanks or cylinders.

Your propane gas detector is only one technique to stay safe...the other is prevention. Only use your propane appliance for its intended purpose. Do not use your range, for example, to heat your property. Just be sure you have sufficient ventilation when you find yourself utilizing propane appliances to stop carbon monoxide build up.

Additionally, have regular maintenance checks on your entire tanks, cylinders, piping, regulators, gauges, connectors, valves, home equipment, vents, thermostats, burners, pilots and controls. If you have a service technician come out and examine your system yearly, you'll have a good idea of how every part is working and have the ability to spot problems, or potential problems, before they start.

A propane gas detector is your first line of defense against fire, explosion or sickness resulting from a gas leak. But it is not the only one. Have a safety plan, and in addition an emergency plan, and practice it. That way, when the alarm does sound, everybody will know exactly what to do, and they'll be able to handle it and get out safe.