Propane Safety During the Winter

Written on: September 12, 2022

Do You Know What to Do?

It’s already September. The kids are back at school, and before you know it, winter will be here. As the Hudson Valley’s home comfort leader, Downey Energy wants to make sure you’re ready. Because your comfort matters to us. At Downey Energy, we also care a great deal about propane safety.

As a Downey Energy propane customer, here are some things you can do now and all winter to make it safer and easier for us to complete your propane deliveries:

1. Keep the path to your propane tank clear. Once we start getting snow, that will mean regularly removing snow and ice so that our delivery drivers and service technicians have safe and easy access to your tank.
2. Make your propane tank easy to spot. You can make your tank easy to find after a heavy snowfall or during other low visibility conditions by attaching a bright flag to the top of it. This will help our delivery drivers to safely position their trucks.
3. Keep your propane tank free of snow and ice. Use a broom to clean snow and ice off the tank itself. Never use a shovel for this task. It could damage your tank and lead to a propane gas leak.
4. Check your vents and flues for obstructions. Do this regularly. This important safety step will help prevent a build-up of carbon monoxide in your home. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that can cause serious illness and even death. Make sure to test your carbon monoxide detectors monthly and replace the batteries every six months or so. And if your carbon monoxide detector is 7 years or older, replace it now before winter hits.
5. Carefully monitor your propane level. The colder it gets, the more often you should check your fuel levels to avoid a run-out. Call Downey Energy before your tank is less than ¼ full. Or sign up for automatic delivery and make getting your propane effortless and worry-free. We’ll track your usage, account for the weather, and schedule your propane delivery so you always have enough.
6. Know what to do if there’s a leak. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do if they think there’s a gas leak.

If you have propane cylinders for grilling etc., it’s important to know how to safely store them during the winter season. Here are some instructions for winterizing and safely storing your propane cylinders.

1. Leave it outside. Even as the temperatures drop, your propane tank should remain outdoors in a well-ventilated, shaded area that’s at least 10 feet from your home.
2. Turn it off. If you’ll be bringing your grill inside for the winter, be sure to turn off your propane tank and disconnect it. If your grill will remain outdoors, you can keep the tank connected, just make sure to turn the tank off.
3. Check for leaks. Prior to storing your tank, do a careful inspection to make sure there are no leaks. Look closely at the valves, the tank itself, and the connector hose. Conduct this inspection outside in a well-lit and well-ventilated space. Stay far from any open flames or other ignition sources.
4. Keep it stable. Store your tank in a secure, level, and upright position. Keeping your tank upright protects against damage that could lead to leaks.
5. Cover it up. Propane fuel doesn’t need to be winterized. However, your tank does need to be protected from the elements. Use a plastic tarp to cover your propane tank and keep snow and ice from accumulating on it. Any moisture that builds up could lead to tank-damaging rust.

Downey Is Here for You

From Cortlandt Manor to Carmel, all around Dutchess County, Orange County, Putnam County, and northern Westchester County, Downey Energy is a dependable propane provider for our Hudson Valley customers.

When you’re a Downey Energy customer, you get propane delivery you can count on. Contact us today to learn more.