Propane Safety For Louisianians In Travel Trailers
Release Date: March 9, 2006
Release Number: 1603-392
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- Many survivors of Hurricane Katrina may now be living in travel trailers and using propane-fueled devices for the first time. Propane fuel is a clean, portable, efficient fuel source but certain precautions are necessary to assure safe and successful use. Propane fuel is stored under pressure and is safe while in storage but it is a flammable, hazardous material and must be used properly to avoid explosions or fire.
Propane Odor:
Propane is naturally an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas. For safely reasons, a ‘rotten egg’ smell has been added to the fuel as a safety feature to alert people to its presence. Sometimes the added odor may be difficult to detect. This is particularly true for the elderly, people who have colds or sinus congestion, and those whose homes have other heavy odors in the air.
This smell can fade under certain situations such as when the valves are left open when the container is empty and air or water gets into the tank. Know where your shut-off valve is located and how to shut it off. Always shut the valve when the tank is not in use.
If You Smell A Fuel Leak:
- Immediately evacuate the building or trailer and call the fire department. Do not remain in the trailer and try to identify the leak yourself.
- Never place your head near or directly over the valves on your storage tank.
- Don't assume that the smell of propane is because the tank is low.
- Do not light a match, use the telephone indoors, unplug appliances, or turn light switches on or off.
- Walk out of the travel trailer, don’t run, to avoid creating static electricity.
- Shut off the gas supply using the shut-off valve outside on the tank or cylinder.
- Stay outside the building until told to re-enter by safety authorities.
- Always be sure to have proper ventilation in your home.
Propane and Travel Trailer Safety:
Only qualified technicians should install, service, or inspect any part of the gas system including the tank, gas lines, appliances, gas controls, and venting. Never disconnect your gas line to remove air, you could release deadly carbon monoxide.
Transporting Propane Tanks:
When it is time to refill the propane tanks, they must be moved carefully and correctly to maintain safety. The tanks must be strictly secured in an upright position in a pickup truck or car and all valves must be ventilated or sealed.
Filling Propane Tanks:
A properly filled propane tank is not necessarily ‘full’. All small container propane tanks should have an overfill prevention device to provide an automatic shut-off when the proper level is reached.
Propane and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
Propane fuel can be a source of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is one of the most common causes of accidental poisoning in the United States. The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can resemble food poisoning or influenza. Symptoms may include headache, weakness, nausea and fatigue. The next stages may include vomiting, chest pain, confusion and finally unconsciousness, convulsions and death.
Young children and pets may be the first to be effected. People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever having symptoms.
If you think you, a friend, or a family member are showing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, consult a health care professional right away.
For more questions about propane safety contact your local propane dealer. You can also find information about propane safety at the National Propane Gas Association Web site at usepropane.com/consumer_safety/ or the Propane Education and Research Council website at www.propanesafety.com/.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 10-Mar-2006 08:11:22