Summer Propane Safety Tips For Outdoor Living

Written on: June 21, 2021

Have Fun and Be Safe!

Propane can do so much to make summer great at your central Maine home.

Cookouts and weeknight suppers are a snap with a propane grill. Propane deck and patio heaters let you enjoy your backyard even if there is a nip in the air. You can enjoy your pool or spa tub more often with a propane pool or spa heater. Create cozy spaces to relax with family and friends by adding a propane fireplace or firepit to your backyard. Propane insect traps make being outdoors less itchy.

However, you need to know about how to use propane safely, or summer fun could end with a trip to the emergency room. We have put together some important information so you can get all the benefits of propane without worry.

Use Propane Cylinders Properly

Never store propane cylinders indoors or in a garage, shed, carport, sunporch, or any enclosed area.

Store propane tanks outdoors, out of direct sunlight, upright, and on a dry surface. Wet ground can rust the cylinders.

Store your propane tank away from open flames and other sources of sparks. That includes your grill.

Propane cylinders should be upright when you are bringing them to be refilled or exchanged. Even if you think your cylinder is empty, it may still contain enough propane to leak if turned on its side.

Don’t leave your car for extended periods of time if your car has a cylinder in it, especially in warm weather. If you can’t go straight home from your cylinder exchange or refill site, try to make it the last thing that you do before heading home.

Propane Grill Safety

Keep your cookout safe with these grilling safety best practices.

• A grilling fire can be caused by grease leftover on your grill. In fact, that’s how one in five grill fires start. Cleaning both the grates and your grill regularly will help prevent that from happening.
• Keep the grill lid open until you’re sure it’s lit.
• NEVER use your propane BBQ grill indoors or in an enclosed space like a garage. Dangerous levels of colorless, odorless carbon monoxide can build up.
• The grill must be placed on a flat, level surface to reduce the risk of it tipping over.
• The grill must have at least five feet of clearance from the house, furniture, trees, bushes and any other combustible material.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill.
• NEVER leave a lit grill unattended.
• Do not use your grill if the ignitor does not light. Consider buying a grill with an automatic ignition system.

Do you have questions about propane safety? Contact us. We’ll gladly answer any questions you have.