Propane, also called LPG or LP gas (liquefied petroleum gas), is a liquid fuel stored under pressure which is, in most systems, vaporized to a gas before it leaves the tank. When mixed with air, propane is extremely flammable and can be ignited by open flames, cigarettes, electrical sparks, and even static electricity. It's primarily used by many properties in our area for heating and cooking and also in much demand for outdoor grilling.

Propane has a distinctive odor that's been compared to a skunk's spray, a dead animal, rotten eggs, garbage, or sewage. However, it's possible for the odor to become less concentrated and weaker than usual if there's air, water, or rust in the propane tank or if the propane is leaking up through the ground. It's also possible for people to simply be unable to smell propane due to their age; the effects of medication or medical conditions (not just colds or sinus congestion but the lingering effects of COVID); the use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs; or the presence of other strong odors in the area. As a result, if you smell even a faint odor of gas, you should take immediate steps rather than second-guessing yourself. If you use propane for heating or cooking, it's also a good idea to install propane gas detectors in your house, along with your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

If you think you smell gas or suspect a gas leak...

– No flames/sparks! – Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate any lights, appliances, telephones, or cellphones. Any of these things may produce sparks when switched on or during use that could trigger an explosion.

– Leave the area immediately – Get everyone out! Call 911 if there's anyone feeling unwell whose symptoms don't go away once they're outside in fresh air.

– Shut off the gas at the tank – Turn off the propane at the main valve on the tank. *Note: if there's actually gas spraying out of the tank, do not approach! Liquid propane can cause severe freeze burns or frostbite if it comes into contact with your skin, and propane is heavier than air, so it will pool in low places and may make it unsafe to approach the tank. In this situation, call 911 immediately.

– Report the leak – Call your propane supplier to come out and repair your system and do not turn on or in any way attempt to use your propane system until that's done.

– Do not re-enter the area until either your propane supplier has been out to repair the system and confirm the area is safe OR you've called 911 to request the fire department come out to check the air quality in the house (if you cannot stay away until you're able to get a supplier out). We cannot fix a propane leak, but we do have a gas meter and can check for the presence of propane and let you know whether it's safe to re-enter.

A few other safety tips:

– If a pilot light goes out repeatedly or is difficult to light, do not continue trying to light the device and do not try to fix it yourself. This may be a serious safety problem and you run the risk of causing a fire or explosion.

– Take every possible precaution to avoid running out of propane (get on a regular schedule for refills and monitor the fill level of your tank) – As the tank gets close to running out, the pilot lights on devices may go out but the gas is still on and may continue to flow for some time before it runs out entirely, filling the area with propane. This is a serious safety hazard with the potential for fire or explosion.

– If your propane has run out or you've had to turn off your propane for any reason, arrange to have your supplier come out to check for leaks, turn on the gas, and relight pilot lights. This is a matter of safety.

The final thing to remember with propane is that, as with any other cooking or heating source that works by burning, it can produce carbon monoxide. Signs that an appliance is burning improperly in a way that may produce carbon monoxide include sooting up of the appliance and vents, unfamiliar burning odors, and lazy yellow or orange flames. More information about the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to avoid it is available here.