Recent tragedy prompts awareness

Although the official cause of the fire has not yet been determined, the death of a local woman has spawned many discussions regarding the safety of using propane or natural gas in the home.

According to several sources, including the National Fire Safety Institute, explosions from propane and natural gas leaks are rare but almost always result in total destruction of the structure involved.

Gas leaks can be the result of many problems including loose fittings, crushed or pinched lines, faulty appliances or corrosion as shown in the photo below. Since propane is about 1.5 times heavier than air,  it 'sinks' into lower areas such as basements, crawl spaces and ditches. A source of ignition could be anything in the general proximity- a water heater burner, furnace, light switch or static electricity.

So what steps can you take to safeguard your home? First on the list is a combustible gas leak detector, which is much like a smoke or carbon monoxide detector. The unit is placed in a low, open area and will notify you of a leak through a loud audible alarm. Detectors for home use are available at most home improvement stores ranging in price from $50 to around $300, depending on coverage area and sensitivity range. Note that some home security services offer a combustible gas leak detector as part of their system as well.


Important tips:

If you smell a leak, immediately evacuate everyone from the building and call the fire department from your neighbor's phone. DO NOT remain in the building, use the telephone or light switches or try to determine the source of the leak by yourself.

Propane tanks
Be aware of where gas service lines are located, especially when working in your yard- very often the line running from your propane tank to the house is only a few inches deep. In some instances, a bare copper line has been buried in the ground and run through a concrete wall or cinder blocks. Exposed copper has a tendency to corrode, especially when it is in contact with concrete or cement.

Note that water can damage the internal safety mechanism in the gas controls of an appliance, too. If you suspect that your appliance gas controls may have gotten wet (because of flooding, for example), have it replaced immediately.

Propane Heating Appliances
All furnaces can collect lint and dirt and should be cleaned regularly. Maintain your furnace per the instruction manual or have a professional do it for you.

Propane Water Heaters
Drain your tank periodically (until water runs clean - usually 2 to 3 gallons) to get rid of sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank.

Propane Ranges
Have your unit serviced if the burner flame is not blue. The blue flame indicates complete combustion. A yellow flame means air inlets are clogged or burners need adjustment. Do not cover the oven bottom with foil - it can restrict air circulation. Never use gas ranges for home heating, even in an emergency.