Protect Loved Ones and Your Home This Winter

Written on: September 26, 2022

Propane safety during the winter

Wintertime along the South Shore of Massachusetts is right around the corner, and this time of year can be especially hard on all sorts of equipment, including propane systems.

If you are a propane customer, you probably already know that propane is one of the safest fuels available. At Williams Energy, it’s important to us to be a part of maintaining that excellent safety record. That’s why we take steps to make sure all of our customers are properly educated on what to do to protect their propane system.

Tips for winter propane safety

There are a number of important ways you can protect your home and family – along with your propane system – this coming winter. Some of the top safety tips we recommend include:

• Be prepared. Having a winter safety plan in place can give you the peace of mind you need as winter approaches.
• Have enough propane on hand. You don’t want to experience a runout, just when you need fuel the most. That’s why we offer Automatic Delivery. With this program, your propane usage is tracked over time, so depending on the weather and length of time since the last delivery, among other variables, delivery can be made before the tank runs low. We always take potential storms into account, so you never have to worry about having enough fuel.
• Inspect your propane equipment after a storm. But, be cautious while you look for damage. Be on the lookout for downed power lines, damage to your propane tank, or damaged gas lines. In the dark, always use a flashlight instead of candles or lanterns to avoid potential combustion if a leak has occurred.
• Keep up with regular maintenance. Your propane tank, HVAC system and other equipment should be inspected and tuned-up regularly, so that any small issues aren’t exacerbated by winter storms, causing larger problems and breakdowns at the worst time possible.
• Keep your access points clear of the winter elements. Check your chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and propane tank for damage, blockage, or debris caused by snow and ice. Use a broom rather than a shovel to clear these areas often.
• Know what to do if you smell gas. Although propane gas leaks are unlikely – especially when propane is stored properly – it is essential to take immediate steps if you smell gas, to protect lives and property.
• Learn more about propane safety. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) will tell you all about propane safety, with topics including propane tank safety, propane heater safety and more!
• Call in the experts. Never hesitate to call on the experts if you have any questions or if something doesn’t feel right, and don’t try to attempt repairs yourself. At Williams Energy, we are always here when you need us!

A century of safe service you can trust

Because of strong regulations and practiced industry standards, propane has an outstanding safety record, and we’re proud to be a part of that. For more than 100 years, Williams Energy has been the leader in fuel delivery to South Shore homes and businesses. Our customers know that they can count on us for safe, reliable propane, heating-oil, and commercial-fuels delivery. We’re always here when you need us!

Do you have questions about propane safety? Contact us. We’re glad to help!