Summer Fire Prevention Tips

• Propane is heavier than air, if a leak occurs the gas vapors will follow the contour of the area and seek its lowest level eventually finding an ignition source flashing back to the tank. If a fire or leak occurs, leave the area and immediately notify the Fire Department.
• Storage of tanks are to be away from residence (not in garage or basement). Storage of tanks, even in single family residence is not legal. Store tanks in an upright position and never assume that a tank is empty. Store tanks in cool areas, avoiding direct sunlight.
• All connections of the tank should be tested for leaks using a soapy water solution. Tiny bubbles will indicate a leak. This should be done when first connected and periodically thereafter.
• All connections must be tightened with a proper size wrench. NOTE: flammable gas cylinders have a left-handed thread, a reverse of the normal threading. It must be tightened by turning counter clockwise.
• Cylinder valve plugs (CPV) are required to be installed on all full and empty cylinders when they are not connected or being transported.
• Also close the cylinder valve when not in use.
• Cylinders must be painted and in good repair. They must be tested at an LPG plant after 12 years of service and every five years thereafter.
• A gas-fired barbecue must NEVER be used inside any structure.
• Gas-fired barbecues are to be utilized by adults only and NEVER by children.
• It is advisable to keep a flame retardant padded mitt nearby so that it is possible to shut the cylinder valve off at any time.
• When disposing of empty propane gas tanks, it is recommended that they be returned to the facility that refills the tanks. Propane filling stations are capable of removing the valve. They will store the tank outdoors in an upright position for several months, allowing any residual gas to dissipate. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, SHOULD THE CONSUMER TRY TO REMOVE THE VALVE AND/OR TRY TO DISPOSE OF THE TANK.

• State and Local Fire Marshals point out that gasoline should be used as motor fuel only (boats, motor bikes, lawnmowers and power tools), not for other popular but very hazardous purposed (such as for stain removal, etc.).
• Gasoline vapors are highly combustible. It is extremely hazardous to use or store gasoline inside the home. Its invisible vapors travel quickly and can be ignited by a single spark. Even a pilot light or a spark caused by turning on a light switch can ignite accumulated gasoline vapors. When these vapors ignite, the result is a flash fire. By storing gasoline properly and using it for its intended purpose only, injuries and fire can be prevented.

• Extinguish smoking materials and keep open flames and spark producing equipment well away. Use only containers with tight fitting caps that are designed for and have been approved for storage of gasoline. Never use glass or thin plastic bottles or jugs for gasoline or any flammable liquid. It is illegal to store gasoline in an unapproved container.
• Always place the container on the ground before filling and keep the hose nozzle in contact with the container. Never fill a container while it is in the trunk of a car or in the back of a truck.

• Transport gasoline in an approved container that is tightly capped. In a car, place the container in the trunk and keep the trunk lid open for ventilation. In a truck, secure the container to prevent sliding. If the truck has a cab or is a van-type truck, open the side window. Remove the container promptly and store it safely, NEVER store a gasoline container in a vehicle.

• Store as little gasoline as is practical. NEVER STORE GASOLINE INSIDE THE HOME. Gasoline should be kept in an approved container, out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked storage shed or garage. Do not store gasoline in you yard where it could be used as a tool of arson. Extinguish smoking materials and keep open flames and spark producing equipment away when refilling gasoline powered tools. Before refueling, turn the equipment off and wait for the motor to cool. Clean up spills promptly, using cat litter or sand for larger spills.

• Before fueling a boat, extinguish smoking materials and shut down all motors, fans and heating devices. Be sure the fueling nozzle is grounded to the fuel intake and don’t fill to capacity – leave room for expansion. Wipe up fuel spills immediately and check the bilge for fuel leakage and odors. After fueling and before starting the motor, ventilate with the blower for at least four minutes.