10 Wildfire Safety Tips for Propane Customers

Wildfires can spread quickly, especially during dry conditions and high winds, and they can destroy or damage homes and property, including propane tanks and appliances. Beyond the intense heat and flames, fallen trees and downed power lines can block the access routes that fire trucks and other emergency vehicles need.

Knowing how to prepare your propane system, when to shut off your propane supply, and what to check before using your equipment again can help you make safer decisions during and after a wildfire. Here are 10 wildfire safety tips to help you prepare your propane use.

The safety guidance in this article is adapted from the wildfire safety materials published by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) at Propane.com.

Here Is a Quick Look at What Is Covered:

Before a Wildfire

1. Clear the area around your propane tank.
2. Check your propane level.
3. Make an emergency plan.
4. Put together an emergency supply kit.
5. Know what propane smells like and how to shut it off.

During a Wildfire

6. Follow local evacuation orders.
7. Stay informed as conditions change.

After a Wildfire

8. Check for damage before using your propane system.
9. Have your propane system inspected if you suspect damage.
10. Follow general propane safety rules.

Before a Wildfire

1. Clear the Area Around Your Propane Tank

Clear at least a 10-foot area around your propane tank and gas grill of any debris. Remove anything that is combustible or easily ignited, including leaves, brush, vegetation, and rags.

Make sure your grill and all propane cylinders are at least 10 feet from any structure, including your home, deck railings, and anything overhead such as eaves and low branches. Never store, place, or use a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent.

Never try to move your propane tank or disconnect any components yourself. Tanks are installed to code and are designed to stay in place.

If using Blue Rhino propane cylinders, ensure to read and follow the safe-use instructions printed on the sleeve.

2. Check Your Propane Level

Have an adequate supply of propane in your tank. During and after a wildfire, propane and other types of fuel may not be readily available, and roads leading to your home or farm might not be accessible for delivery.

During wildfire season, if you use our Will Call delivery service, check your propane level regularly and order when your tank reaches 30 percent, or at least seven business days before you expect to need propane. Your gauge is under the dome or lid on top of the tank, and it shows the percentage of propane remaining, not gallons.

To order, log in to your MyFerrellgas.com account, text ORDER to 573-207-5975*, or request a fill online.

3. Make an Emergency Plan

Create an emergency preparedness plan and review it regularly with everyone in your household. Post a list with contact information for Ferrellgas and emergency services, including your local fire department, along with instructions for turning off propane, electricity, and water.

Review your wildfire preparations with Ferrellgas and your other utility suppliers, and let them know about any special needs in your household.

Install carbon monoxide detectors listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) on every level of your home. Propane gas detectors listed by UL provide an additional measure of security and are worth considering as well. Follow the manufacturer instructions for installation, location, and maintenance on any detector you install.

4. Put Together an Emergency Supply Kit

Prepare a family disaster supply kit with several days' worth of water and canned foods, along with a can opener, extra clothes and blankets, flashlights, and batteries. Include a battery-powered radio so you can stay informed as conditions change.

5. Know What Propane Smells Like and How to Shut It Off

Make sure you and everyone in your household knows what propane smells like. Propane has a strong, unpleasant odor that is often described as rotten eggs, a skunk's spray, or a dead animal. Recognizing it quickly is what matters most in an emergency.

Before an emergency happens, make sure you also know where the main gas supply valve is located on your propane tank and how to close it. If a wildfire threatens your safety and it's safe to do so, shut off the gas by turning the main gas supply valve to the right, or clockwise, until it stops. If your gas comes from a metered pipe system, contact Ferrellgas for instructions on how to shut off your gas.

If it's safe and you have time, also turn off the gas supply valves located near individual indoor appliances, and close any screen, door, or damper on a propane fireplace or log set. Once you've shut anything off, don't turn it back on yourself. A qualified service technician needs to inspect your system first.

Not sure where your valves are located? Your local Ferrellgas team can help you understand your propane system before you need to make those decisions during an emergency.

During a Wildfire

6. Follow Local Evacuation Orders

If officials tell you to evacuate, go. Don't delay leaving to shut off propane or secure your property. Listen to your local authorities, or television and radio stations, to determine whether you need to evacuate your home or farm, and follow their instructions promptly. Wait until local officials say it's safe before returning home.

7. Stay Informed as Conditions Change

Wildfires can last several days, and roads may be inaccessible for fuel delivery or emergency services. Stay calm and exercise sound judgment. Your composure during a wildfire helps make sure you don't take unnecessary risks or create additional dangers for your family and your home.

Use radios, television, and telephones to stay informed and connected, and keep following updates from local authorities. Ferrellgas customers can call 888-337-7355, log in to their MyFerrellgas account for delivery information, or visit our propane safety page for safety resources.

After a Wildfire

8. Check for Damage Before Using Your Propane System

Use extreme caution when returning to your home. If you have any doubts about your safety, leave the area immediately and have your property inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before re-entering.

Once you've determined it's safe to return, take the time to carefully evaluate the condition of all the structures on your property. If it is dark, use flashlights, not candles. Look carefully around the entire area and check for downed power lines, which can create major safety hazards. Inspect your gas lines and tank for damage, and inspect chimneys, flue pipes, and vent connectors for damage, blockage, or debris. If it's safe to do so, inspect your propane appliances for water or other damage. Appliances that have electric components and have been exposed to water can create a fire hazard.

Never turn on a light switch, use any power source, or inspect your household appliances while standing in water. This can result in electrocution.

If you observe any of these hazards, call Ferrellgas immediately at 888-337-7355 or your electric or natural gas utility separately for any damage to those services.

If You Smell Gas, at Any Time, Act Immediately.

No flames or sparks. Put out all smoking materials and other open flames, and do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire. Leave the area immediately and get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.

If it's safe to do so, shut off the gas by turning the main gas supply valve to the right, or clockwise. Then, from a neighbor's home or another building away from the leak, call Ferrellgas right away at 888-337-7355. If you can't reach us, call 911 or your local fire department. Do not return to the building or area until Ferrellgas determines that it is safe. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, Ferrellgas or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to make sure it is leak-free. Learn more about what propane smells like.

9. Have Your Propane System Inspected if You Suspect Damage

If you suspect any of your propane appliances, equipment, or vehicles have been under water, damaged, or exposed to fire, or if you turned off your gas supply during the emergency, schedule a time for a qualified service technician to perform a complete inspection of your propane system. The technician can also perform a leak check on the system and re-light your pilot lights.

Never use or operate appliances, equipment, or vehicles, and never turn the gas supply back on, until your system has been inspected by a qualified service technician.

Do not, under any circumstances, try to modify or repair valves, regulators, or other appliance parts yourself.

10. Follow General Propane Safety Rules

Once it is determined that it is safe inside your home, you must still be alert to potential dangers. A few general rules apply at all times, not just during wildfire season.

Never use outdoor propane appliances indoors or in enclosed areas. This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death. These include outdoor portable heaters, barbecue grills, and portable generators. Only use appliances indoors that are designed and approved for indoor use.

Never use a gas oven or range-top burners to provide space heating.

Never store, place, or use a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed, or tent.

If using Blue Rhino propane cylinders, ensure to read and follow the safe-use instructions printed on the sleeve.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

You can't control when or where a wildfire will happen, but you can take steps to prepare your home and propane system before one threatens your area. Knowing your propane system, clearing the area around your tank, having an emergency plan, and knowing what to look for after a wildfire can help you make safer decisions when they matter most.

Taking these 10 simple steps can help promote safety all season long. With a little advance planning, you and your family can be prepared for events such as wildfires.

For additional information on preparing for wildfires and other severe weather conditions and natural disasters, visit Propane.com/Safety. You can also read the Propane Education & Research Council's (PERC) full propane safety and wildfires guidance.

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Safety guidance adapted from the Propane Education & Research Council, "Keeping Your Family Safe: Wildfires" and "Propane Safety and Wildfires" (© 2021). For more information, visit Propane.com/Safety.