Poore’s Propane helps you identify a propane leak and respond quickly.

It goes without saying that protecting your loved ones and yourself against potential household dangers is your top priority. It’s a top priority for us too. As the leading propane delivery provider in central Delmarva and Pennsylvania’s Chester and Delaware Counties, Poore’s Propane and Oil is also dedicated to ensuring your household’s safety.

Generally speaking, propane is an incredibly safe home fuel. It’s non-toxic and will not contaminate water or soil, even if there’s a leak. But there are risks associated with propane leaks. Here is some crucial information to help you identify leaking propane and respond appropriately.

What does propane smell like?

Propane does not have a natural odor, but propane producers add gas to it called ethyl mercaptan or methanethiol to make its smell instantly recognizable. People liken this odor to rotten eggs, spoiled meat or skunk spray. If you have a sense of smell, you’ll notice this odor immediately and can respond quickly.

What should you do if you smell gas in your home?

A propane smell in your home likely indicates a gas leak. It’s imperative that you respond quickly with the following steps:

1. Get everyone out of your house immediately.
2. Extinguish any flames, cigarettes, cigars or other ignition sources. Additionally, you should not touch any light switches, telephones or thermostats in the affected area, as they can produce a spark.
3. If it is safe to do so, close your home’s propane shutoff valve. The Poore’s team can show you how to do this.
4. Once everyone is safely clear of the affected area, call emergency services and Poore’s Propane using a neighbor’s phone or your cell phone.
5. Stay away from the affected area and keep the gas shut off — even if you no longer smell propane.
6. Allow propane service technicians and/or emergency personnel time to check for a propane leak, repair any issues and ensure the area is safe.
7. The propane service technician will inspect all gas appliances and relight all pilots. Only then will they give you the all-clear to return.

How can you prepare your family for a propane leak?

Although propane leaks are relatively rare, it is still important to prepare your home and family to respond if one happens. Here are some simple preparations you can make.

• Post important phone numbers like emergency services and your propane supplier in a prominent place and ensure your family knows where they are.
• Talk to your family about recognizing a propane leak and the steps to take to respond.
• Work with Poore’s Propane to learn how to shut off your home’s propane tank.
• Check out propane safety videos from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).
• Safeguard your home and family by installing UL-listed gas detectors to alert you to propane leaks. Additionally, ensure you have carbon monoxide (CO) detectors on each level of the house and outside every bedroom. (Be aware that CO detectors will not alert you to a propane leak.)

Don’t hesitate to contact Poore’s Propane with any questions about your home’s propane systems and equipment.