Propane is a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly fuel, however like all fuel it must be dealt with with care. You've got already taken precautions and have installed a propane gas detector. However what do you do when it actually goes off? Are you ready? Read on to learn the way to keep 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? So that if any gas is leaking into your house, it is possible for you to to detect it. Nevertheless, if you're sleeping, or you've got 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 it possible for there are not any open flames anywhere in your home and if there are, put them out immediately. This includes cigarettes and different smoking materials. Do not touch or use any electrical home equipment, 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. Don't 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 out of the home. Get everyone a secure distance away. Then, you need to use your mobile phone to call emergency services. Have the number on your fire department and your propane firm handy, both stored on all of your cell phones or saved in the car. If you're in a position, go and turn off the supply valves while another person makes the call.
Make sure no-one enters the house 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 somebody come out and inspect your tanks or cylinders.
Your propane gas detector is only one strategy to stay safe...the other is prevention. Solely use your propane equipment for its intended purpose. Don't use your range, for example, to heat your property. Just be sure you have sufficient air flow when you are using propane appliances to prevent carbon monoxide build up.
Additionally, have regular maintenance checks on all of your tanks, cylinders, piping, regulators, gauges, connectors, valves, home equipment, vents, thermostats, burners, pilots and controls. When you've got a maintenance technician come out and examine your system yearly, you will have a good idea of how all the things is working and be capable of spot issues, or potential problems, before they start.
A propane gas detector is your first line of protection against fire, explosion or sickness ensuing from a gas leak. But it is not the only one. Have a security plan, and likewise an emergency plan, and practice it. That way, when the alarm does sound, everybody will know exactly what to do, and they'll be capable of handle it and get out safe.