The Fuel That Powers North Texas: Happy National Propane Day
National Propane Day is this month, on October 7, and it’s a great excuse to talk about why propane is such a trusted fuel and walk through some simple safety information every homeowner and business owner should know.
At Kelly Propane & Fuel, we want our North Texas neighbors to feel confident about their propane systems, and that confidence starts with understanding how safe this fuel really is. While leaks are very rare, knowing what to do if you ever have a concern makes propane even safer to use.
Why Propane Is a Great Fuel Choice
Propane has been powering homes and businesses for generations, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a clean-burning, efficient fuel that works for:
- Heating
- Cooking
- Hot water
- Generators
- And much more
It’s also versatile enough to power appliances both inside and outside your property. Propane systems are built with multiple layers of protection in mind, including pressure-relief valves and leak-resistant fittings, which is part of why propane remains one of the most dependable energy sources available today.
Related Post: Fact vs. Fiction: What You Should Know about Propane Safety in TX
Know What Propane Smells Like
Pure propane is naturally odorless, so an odorant is added to help you detect a leak. Most people describe the smell as similar to rotten eggs, skunk spray, or sulfur. Familiarizing yourself and everyone in your household or workplace with this smell is one of the simplest ways to stay prepared.
PERC’s Steps to Follow If You Smell Gas
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) recommends a few simple steps if you ever notice the smell of propane:
- No flames or sparks. Put out all smoking materials and open flames, and don’t operate lights, appliances, or mobile phones.
- Leave the area immediately, and get everyone out of the building or area, including pets.
- Shut off the gas if it’s safe to do so by turning the main valve on your propane tank to the right (clockwise).
- Report the leak from a neighbor’s home or another nearby location by calling our team right away. If you can’t reach us, call 911 or your local fire department.
- Stay away from the building or area until our team, emergency responders, or a qualified technician says it’s safe to return.
- Get your system checked before using any propane appliances again. Our technicians will make sure your entire system is leak-free.
Following these steps helps keep everyone calm and safe while the situation gets checked out. PERC also offers helpful videos online that walk through each of these steps in more detail, so it’s worth taking a few minutes to watch one with your family or team.
Related Post: Propane Safety Month: How We Prioritize Safety
We’re Here to Help
On National Propane Day and every day, we want North Texas homeowners and business owners to feel confident in their propane systems. Leaks are extremely rare, and propane remains one of the safest fuel choices for your home or business.
If you ever have questions about your system or want to learn more about safety best practices, reach out to our team at Kelly Propane & Fuel. We’re always happy to help.