Propane Safety Tips

Tank & product safety:

• Maintain clearance around and above your tanks. Clear away vegetation, dry leaves, brush and maintain tree branches so they do not grow above tanks. Keep combustible materials stored at a safe distance.
• Keep flammable materials away from propane appliances, including heating systems and water heaters, to minimize fire risk.

Extreme weather safety:

• For resources on preparing for winter storms, wildfires and flooding, please visit the Propane Education & Research Council website for resources. Click here to learn more.

In case of a leak:

• For tips and step-by-step instructions on what to do if you suspect a leak, click here. 

Tank and product safety:

• Indoor tanks should be kept in a well-ventilated area and outdoor tanks should be protected from harsh weather conditions.
• Ensure your tank is inspected annually for corrosion, leaks or weakness.
• Never relocate a tank without a licensed technician.
• Keep the area around the tank clear. Clutter, vegetation and debris can damage oil lines and hide leaks.
• Use a tank tray to minimize the impact of a potential leak.

Extreme weather safety:

• Insulate your heating oil tank
  • Use a shed or cover to protect your tank from wind, cold and snow.
• Check for gelling
  • Heating oil can gel in extreme cold, affecting flow and efficiency. Ensure your tank is protected from the wind chill.
• Stay informed
  • Understand the potential hazards of flooding and how to react if your heating system is affected.

By following these precautions, you can help ensure your heating oil system remains safe and efficient during extreme weather conditions.

Recognizing a leak:

• A persistent, strong smell of oil or a solvent inside your home or around the tank is a major indicator of a leak.
• Other signs of a leak include dark, oily stains or damp spots on the ground, tank supports or walls near the tank.
• If you have an outdoor tank, dead patches of grass or discolored vegetation in the area can signal an underground or surface leak. 
• If your heating oil is running out faster than usual without a corresponding increase in heating use, it could indicate a hidden leak. 
• Visible rust, corrosion, dents or bulging on the tank itself can compromise the integrity of the tank. 
• Drips from the tank, pipes and boiler could indicate a leak. 
• If the oil level gauge is behaving erratically, it could be a sign of a problem.
• If there is a leak, the furnace or boiler may start to perform poorly, shut down unexpectedly or make strange noises.

In case of a leak:

• Heating oil vapors are extremely flammable. If you smell a strong oil odor, evacuate your home immediately and keep everyone, including pets, away from the area.
• If you can do so without risk, locate the shut-off valve on the oil line leading to the burner and turn it off to stop more oil from entering the system.
• If conditions allow, open windows and doors to ventilate your home and remove any accumulated oil vapors.
• Leave the cleanup and repairs to a qualified heating oil technician. They will assess the situation, stop the leak and handle the spill safely. Call Irving Energy at 1.888.310.1924. 

• Ensure your driveway is easily accessible for a delivery truck. In the winter, remove snow from your driveway and, in the case of icy conditions, lay down salt and sand. 
• Keep a clear path to your heating oil or propane tank and fill pipe to ensure safe and easy access for delivery drivers.
• Maintain clearance around and above your tanks. Clear away vegetation, dry leaves, brush and maintain tree branches so they do not grow above tanks. Keep combustible materials stored at a safe distance.
• Before snowfall, mark your tanks with tall stakes, flags or poles − especially near the fill pipe and corners to ensure the tank is visible to delivery drivers. Choose markers that stand taller than your area's average snow depth.
• Please keep your pets inside your home when a delivery occurs.

• Dust, soot and debris buildup can reduce efficiency and increase energy costs. A clean furnace or boiler burns fuel more effectively, which means lower energy bills.
• Dirty systems can lead to carbon monoxide leaks, which are dangerous and potentially fatal. Cleaning helps prevent fire hazards caused by clogged burners or heat exchangers.
• Regular cleaning reduces wear and tear of your equipment, which will help your system last longer. It prevents corrosion and damage to internal components.
• Maintenance helps catch small issues before they become expensive repairs. Clean systems are more reliable, especially during peak heating season.
• We offer equipment as well as service. Please click here to learn more.