Propane Safety
While propane is a safe fuel, it should always be treated with care. That’s why Durkin Propane is providing you with information to keep in mind in case you ever experience a propane emergency on your Lower Hudson Valley property. We’re proud of our commitment to your safety, and we highly recommend you keep yourself and your family informed by reading this page and even saving it for future reference. If you were to experience a propane leak, follow the steps below.
24/7 EMERGENCY PROPANE SERVICE
Know the Smell of Propane Gas
All propane has an added odorant to aid in detection. The odor smells like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal. If you think you smell propane gas in your home or around your property, follow the steps below right away.
If You Smell Propane in Your Home
- Extinguish flames and sparks. Put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Avoid using anything that can create a spark or an electrical charge such as lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones that can ignite an explosion or fire.
- Leave the area. Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
- Shut off the gas. If it is safe to do so, turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise). If you have more than one tank, turn them all off.
- Report the leak. Call Durkin Propane right away—from a neighbor’s home or nearby building—and if you can’t reach us, call 911 or your local fire department.
- Do not return to the building or area. Wait until Durkin Propane or an emergency responder determines that it is safe to do so.
- Get your system checked. Have Durkin Propane check your entire system before attempting to use any of your propane appliances.
How to Read Your Tank Gauge
When using propane, it’s important to know how to read your propane tank gauge so you can better avoid running out of fuel. Although it might seem intimidating at first, checking your propane tank gauge is easy!
- Open the lid of the propane tank to reveal the gauge.
- Note: Since propane expands and contracts inside the tank as outdoor temperatures change, propane tanks are filled to about 80% capacity.
- The numbers on the gauge express how full the tank is as a percentage. When the needle is on 80, you have a full tank. When the needle is on 40, the tank is half-full of propane.
If your tank runs out of propane, the national safety code requires that a qualified professional inspect your propane system before the gas is turned back on.
More Propane Safety Information
24/7 Emergency Service: Just Call
Durkin Propane provides every customer with around-the-clock emergency service to keep you and your family safe. If you ever need us, give us a call at (845) 279-8060. Be sure to call instead of using our online contact form as this is the fastest way to reach us. Thank you for your understanding.