Weather Safety

Hurricane Propane Safety Steps

Follow these steps to keep your family safe.

  1. Prepare an emergency preparedness plan and review with your family.

Be sure to include a list with contact information for your local ThompsonGas office and emergency services along with instructions for turning off propane, electricity and water.

  1. To avoid dangerous situations, make sure your large above ground and underground propane tanks are anchored.
  1. Make sure you have an ample supply of propane in your tank.

During and after a hurricane, propane may not be readily available and roads leading to your home or business may not be accessible for delivery.

  1. If the hurricane is threatening your safety, shut off the main gas supply and the valves located on indoor appliances.
  1. Listen to local authorities, television and/or radio to determine if you need to evacuate your home.

Use extreme caution when returning to your property.

  1. Never use outdoor propane products indoors or in enclosed areas.

Using outdoor portable heaters, grills and generators indoors can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death. Never store, place, or use a propane cylinder indoors or in enclosed areas.

  1. Once the hurricane passes, check the surrounding area for downed power lines, damaged gas lines or damage to your propane tank.

If it is dark, be sure to use flashlights, not candles. If any of these hazards exist, contact your local utility company or ThompsonGas immediately.

  1. If it is safe to do so, examine your propane appliances for water or other damage.

Appliances with electrical components that have been exposed to water can create a fire hazard. Never turn on a light switch, use any power source, or inspect appliances while standing in water.

  1. If you suspect any of your propane appliances or equipment have been damaged, call ThompsonGas to perform a complete inspection.

Do not attempt to repair them yourself.

  1. If you smell gas inside or outside of home or business, take immediate action. Follow these simple instructions:

Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion.

Get everyone (including pets) out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.

Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).

From a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call ThompsonGas immediately. Your local branch office number is published in your telephone directory or by dialing 411. Our phones are answered 24/7/365 by a live, professional answering service in contact with emergency personnel for each branch. You can also dial 800-768-6612, or 911.

Stay away from the building until ThompsonGas determines that it is safe to return.

Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, ThompsonGas must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.

What To Do After a Flood

Floods can damage your propane equipment. A large propane tank can become dislodged from its service line and float away, striking trees, vehicles, or other heavy objects along its path. Also, water and debris can find their way inside regulators and controls, causing potential safety issues. In addition, fallen trees and power lines can create extra safety concerns.

Use caution when returning to your home or farm. If you have any doubts about your safety, leave the area immediately and have your property inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before re-entering. Take the time to carefully evaluate the condition of all the structures on your property. If it is dark, use flashlights, not candles.

Look carefully around the entire area. Check for downed power lines; they can create major safety hazards. Floods can move, shift, or damage gas lines and tanks. Immediately call your local utility company or propane retailer if any of these hazards exist.

If you find a propane tank on your property that is not yours, or if your propane tank has become dislodged or is missing, contact your propane retailer or your local fire department immediately.

Follow these general safety rules

Floods can cause power outages or other events requiring you to take additional safety measures. To help reduce the potential for injury or death, there are general safety rules that you should observe at all times:

If you suspect any of your propane appliances, equipment, or vehicles have been under water or they have been damaged, or you have turned off your gas supply:

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