Propane Safety

Propane use and consumer safety

You can always rest easy knowing that propane has a remarkable safety record, thanks to stringent codes and regulations developed by the propane industry and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). But it doesn’t stop there. Your North Carolina propane company complies with all state regulations that require periodic testing and training. Propane professionals invest time and money to ensure the safety of their customers and everyone else who relies on propane.

If at any time you have safety concerns, know that your propane company is well trained and properly equipped to visit your home and address the situation.

PLEASE NOTE: To keep any safety issues to a minimum, your propane company recommends that you schedule a service visit from a licensed propane contractor at least once a year so that all of your propane tanks and appliances can be checked—and repaired if necessary.

What you should do if you smell gas

It is very important that you know the proper steps to take in the event that you ever smell gas. If you think you smell propane in your home, camper, RV or the area around any gas equipment, or if a gas alarm signals the presence of propane, you should IMMEDIATELY follow these suggestions:

• Extinguish all smoking materials and any other open flames or sources of ignition. Everyone should vacate the building, vehicle or area.
• Move away without using any electric switches, appliances, thermostats or telephones.
• If it is safe to do so, close the gas shutoff valve on the propane tank or cylinder.
• Call your propane supplier and/or your local fire department from a mobile phone or a neighbor’s telephone.
• Even if you do not continue to smell propane, do not open or turn on the propane supply valve. Do not reenter the building, vehicle or area. Let a qualified propane service technician and/or emergency personnel check for escaped propane.
• Have a properly trained propane service technician repair the leak. The propane service technician or emergency responder needs to determine that the leak situation has been fully resolved. The propane service technician should check all of your gas appliances and relight any appliance pilots.
• Return to the building, camper, RV or area only when the service technician or emergency responder indicates that it is safe to do so.

Have more questions about propane safety? Contact your propane company at any time. If it’s an emergency, always call, DO NOT email.

Other important information about propane safety

We encourage you to click on the videos below to review other important information about propane safety, courtesy of the Propane Education and Research Council.

Propane Safety + Operation Tips