Hurricane Season Preparedness For A Propane-powered Home

Hurricane season officially begins June 1, and forecasters have already predicted an “above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States.” 

But the truth is that intense storms, even the non-hurricane related, can strike at any time in North Carolina, and with those storms can come power outages and dangerous conditions that you need to be ready for.

That’s why now is a good time to review how to prepare for and respond to severe weather conditions in your propane-powered home. As always, your family’s safety is our number one concern.

Here are some severe weather propane safety reminders to review with your family.

Propane Safety Reminders

1. Create an emergency preparedness plan and review it with your family. Post a list with contact information for us and emergency services, along with instructions for turning off propane, electricity, and water. For other general preparedness tips for hurricanes, check out this link.
2. Listen to your local authorities to determine if you need to evacuate. If you do, use extreme caution when returning to your property.
3. Make sure your large aboveground propane tanks are anchored securely.
4. Have an adequate supply of propane in your tank – enough to last at least a week or more in the event of road closures (schedule a propane delivery now to avoid a rush once we enter hurricane season). During severe weather, propane and other types of fuel may not be readily available and roads may be inaccessible.
5. If you have a propane generator, be sure to test it before severe weather strikes, and make sure to get a propane delivery in advance of the event.
6. If a hurricane threatens your safety, shut off the gas. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank if it is safe to do so. Also, turn off the gas supply valves located near individual indoor appliances.
7. After the hurricane passes, check the area for downed power lines, damaged gas lines, or damage to your propane tank. Contact us immediately if you find a propane tank on your property that is not yours, or if your propane tank has become dislodged or is missing.
8. Never use outdoor propane appliances indoors or in enclosed areas – this can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death.
9. Inspect your propane appliances for damage if it is safe to do so. If the appliances have been damaged, contact us for service.
10. NEVER turn on a light switch, use any power source, or inspect your household appliances while standing in water!

If you have any questions about propane safety for severe weather, contact us today. We’ll be happy to help.