When the weather outside is fearsome, a little peace of mind can go a long way. That’s why it’s important to make sure your property is ready for winter storms before they happen. To help, here are five safety tips to prepare your propane system for whatever Mother Nature has in store this winter.
 

1. Consider a propane-powered generator: During a winter storm, it’s common to lose power. And in remote areas, it can sometimes take days for roads to be accessible to repair crews. No one wants to risk going that long without power. That’s why it can be a good idea for rural residents to install a propane-powered backup generator. With a propane-powered generator, you can rest easy that you’ll have an uninterrupted source of power during blackouts. The reason propane works so well as a backup power source is because of its exceptional shelf life. Even if propane sits unused for years, it will still be practically as good as new.


2. Clearly mark propane tanks: It may be easy to spot your propane tanks now, but if a winter storm hits, finding them under feet of snow can be a much more difficult job. That’s why it can be helpful to mark the location of your propane tanks with a flag, pole or stake. When selecting a marker, be sure to choose something that’s taller than the average snowfall in your area.


3. Remove snow and ice from propane tanks: In the event your tanks become covered in snow, use a broom to clear them off. You’ll want to keep your propane tanks exposed to minimize the risk of collisions. For easy access to your tanks, maintain a clear pathway to them.


4. Notify snowplow contractors of propane tank locations: To keep you and your family safe after a heavy snowfall, make sure your snowplow contractor is aware of all propane tanks on your property. If a snowplow were to come into contact with a propane tank, it’s a potentially serious safety hazard.


5. Keep up your propane supply: One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a winter storm is to make sure you have an adequate propane supply. Even after the storm is over, roads can still be inaccessible by delivery trucks for days. And if you depend on propane for heat, running out can be a big problem. To sustain any periods of interrupted deliveries, it’s important not to let your propane tanks get low.