Using Propane Safely In Severe Winter Weather

Winter can get pretty rough here in New England – often with little warning. That’s why it’s best to have a plan in place for before, during, and after a storm so you can keep your family safe in your propane powered home.

6 Winter Propane Tips

Here are six things to keep in mind if you want to use propane safely when the weather takes a turn for the worst in Connecticut this winter:

1. Flag your tank – Mark the location of your propane tanks with a flag or pole that’s tall enough to be seen above to expected snow line, keeping in mind that drifts can be quite deep.
2. Maintain access to your tank – Maintain a clear pathway to your tank to allow access for delivery and repair crews. If you clean off your tank, use a broom – never a shovel – to clear away snow and ice.
3. Warn your plow operators if your tank is in their clearing path – Sometimes snow can make your tank hard to see for snowplow operators. That can be a potentially serious safety hazard for everyone on your property.
4. Keep plenty of fuel in your tank – Keep enough propane on hand to make it through the storm – and for several days after, since roads may be closed.
5. Fix problem equipment immediately – if your propane equipment is not working properly in the aftermath of severe weather, contact us right away. Poorly functioning equipment can increase the risk of carbon monoxide leaks, which can be very dangerous (or even deadly). Also, remember that if you shut down your gas for any reason, the law requires you to hire a licensed professional to pressure test and restart your system!
6. Consider installing a whole house generator – A power outage can quickly turn from a hassle to a hazard if blocked roads delay repair crews. Consider installing a whole house propane generator for peace of mind in any weather.

One easy way to make sure you have enough fuel on hand during severe weather is to set up automatic propane deliveries in Connecticut with Hocon. Contact us today to learn more, or to become a Hocon customer!