Use Propane Safely

Protect your loved ones and your home

Since 1983, Sierra Propane has provided dependable, professional fuel delivery in New Mexico and Arizona. Our team upholds the highest safety standards to protect our customers. All our delivery drivers and service technicians are fully trained to perform their jobs safely.

This dedication to safety means that we want you to be informed about using propane properly. With this knowledge, you can enjoy its many benefits safely and without stress.

What to do if you smell gas

To begin with, you need to know what propane smells like. Although propane does not have a natural scent, producers add an ingredient to make it smell like rotten eggs. This pungent odor makes a gas leak instantly recognizable. Even so, it’s a smart idea to install propane detectors near all your systems and major appliances. Remember that smoke/carbon monoxide detectors — though essential for your home — won’t detect a propane leak.

But what do you do if you smell propane?

It is crucial to follow these procedures as soon as you detect gas:

• Get out of your house — or the leak area — IMMEDIATELY.
• Put out any flames, including candles and cigarettes. Don’t use light switches, thermostats, telephones or mobile devices. These can produce a spark that could ignite the gas.
• If it is safe to do so, close the gas shutoff valve on your propane tank or cylinder.
• Call 911 and Sierra Propane only once you’re a safe distance away from the area of the leak.
• Allow emergency services and our propane service technicians enough time to check for escaped gas and make the necessary repairs.
• Even if you don’t smell gas anymore, do not return to the leak area or attempt to reopen your tank’s propane supply valve. A trained propane service technician needs to repair the leak, inspect all of your gas appliances and relight all pilots.
• Only return to your home once you receive permission from emergency personnel or your propane service technician.

For additional propane safety tips, consult the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). PERC has created these informative videos to keep you and your loved ones safe.