Six propane summer safety reminders for your NC home

Propane is a versatile summer fun fuel, able to power propane appliances ranging from pool heaters and fire tables to lighting fixtures and grills.

But as with any fuel in any season, care is needed when you’re using propane in the summer; since June is National Safety Month, now seems like the perfect time to talk about propane safety inside and outside your North Carolina home!

Here are six important summer safety reminders for your propane powered North Carolina home and outdoor space:

1. Always allow adequate space around your propane-burning equipment – Keep your propane grill, space heater or hearth at least three feet from building openings and ten feet from any air intake device to minimize the chance of a propane gas or carbon monoxide leak entering your home. Keep propane equipment away from flammable materials such as fences, wood, and vinyl siding, as well as from any materials that emit combustible fumes (paint, oil, finishing products, etc.).
2. Store cylinders upright and outdoors – If you use refillable propane cylinders, always store them upright – with valves on top and covered – and outdoors (never inside garages, storage sheds, etc.)
3. Always install and operate propane equipment correctly – Propane equipment must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and in compliance with all appropriate propane regulations, codes, and standards. To make sure this is true, always have your propane equipment installed by a professional.
4. Maintain your equipment every year – Professional maintenance for propane equipment will spot problems that could cause safety risks for your family – be sure to have your propane equipment, including your propane tank, inspected and serviced every year.
5. Practice proper grill safety – Grills are responsible for more than 10,000 house fires – not to mention thousands of injuries – every year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Check out this video for more NFPA propane grilling safety tips.
6. Review propane safety tips with your family –  Summer is a great time for a short refresher course on propane safety: be sure your family knows what to do in the event of a propane emergency, especially if you suspect a propane gas leak.

June is National Safety Month – be sure to practice propane safety inside and outside your North Carolina home! Contact us today if you have any propane safety questions so you can enjoy a worry-free summer 2019!