Flood Safety Tips
Let propane expert Eric Kuster, Vice President of Safety, Education, and Compliance for the Propane Education & Research Council, give you a quick overview of the most important safety tips when a flood threatens your property.
PREPARING FOR EVERY POSSIBILITY
Before, during, and after a flood, there are a few key things to consider to keep your family and your home as safe as possible.
CREATE AN EMERGENCY PLAN
Work with your family to create a plan in the event of a flood. As part of this effort, make sure to post contact information for emergency services and utility companies—including your local propane supplier. You should also post instructions for turning off your propane, electricity, and water. (If you turn off your propane, contact a service technician to inspect your system before turning it back on.)
ANCHOR YOUR TANK
In flood zone areas, large propane tanks should be anchored securely to avoid potentially dangerous situations. This is required by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). Your propane supplier can determine if and how anchoring your tank should be done.
PLAN FOR COMMUNICATIONS
Keep a battery-powered radio handy, so you always have a way to receive updates on weather conditions. If severe flooding is expected, it’s also smart to charge up your smartphones, so you have an additional tool for communication through a long power outage. Or, consider purchasing a propane generator so you always have reliable power, even during blackouts.
INSPECT DAMAGE CAUTIOUSLY
If a flood causes harm to your property, be careful when you assess damage as downed power lines, damaged gas lines, and dislodged propane tanks can lead to dangerous situations. In the dark, use a flashlight instead of candles to avoid combustion in the case of a leak, and never inspect appliances while standing in water.
IF YOU SENSE DANGER, CALL THE EXPERTS
Your utility company, fire department, and propane supplier have expert training, and should handle any potentially dangerous situations with your home’s systems. Additionally, if a storm damages your property, it’s a good idea to have a qualified service technician perform a complete inspection of your propane system, to ensure no harmful damage was done.