Family Owned · Serving Central Texas Since 1955Fayetteville: 979-378-2213   |   Brenham: 979-836-7044
Safety Resources

Propane Safety

Practical guidance to help protect your family, property, and business.

Important — Take Action Immediately

Smell Gas? Suspect a Propane Leak?

A suspected propane leak is an emergency. Get everyone out of the building or area right away.

  1. Leave immediately. Get everyone to a safe location away from the suspected leak.
  2. Avoid sparks, flames, and switches. Do not smoke, turn electrical switches or appliances on or off, use a phone inside the affected area, or start a vehicle nearby.
  3. Shut off the tank valve only if it is safe and you know how. Never delay evacuation to reach a valve.
  4. Call for help from a safe location. Call 911 and contact Fayetteville Propane. Do not return until emergency responders or a qualified professional say it is safe.
  5. Do not restart the system yourself. Have a qualified professional inspect the system and correct the cause of the leak before service resumes.

While we strive to be available, if you are unable to reach us or are in immediate danger, dial 911. The emergency service number is connected to the red Emergency: Call Now button.

Everyday Safety

A few habits make a big difference.

Propane is a useful and dependable energy source when systems and appliances are used and maintained properly. Share these essentials with everyone at home or work.

Recognize the warning signs

Propane is odorized to help detect leaks, often described as a rotten-egg smell. Odor can sometimes fade or be hard to detect, so never rely on smell alone.

Know your detectors

Use appropriately installed propane gas, carbon monoxide, and smoke detectors, as recommended for your home or business. Test and maintain them according to manufacturer instructions.

Keep equipment accessible

Keep tank access, regulators, gas piping, and appliance vents clear. Do not store combustible materials against propane equipment or block ventilation.

Call a qualified professional

Schedule inspections and service as needed. Do not attempt to modify piping, regulators, appliance connections, or safety devices yourself.

Out-of-Gas Safety

What happens if you run out of propane?

If your tank runs out of propane or service is interrupted, a qualified professional must perform the required leak check before gas service is restored.

Why a safety check matters

An interruption of gas supply can allow air into the piping or create other safety concerns. Before appliances are operated again, the system must be checked for leakage and safely returned to service.

  • Do not open the tank valve or relight appliances yourself.
  • Call our office to report an out-of-gas situation and arrange the next steps.
  • Follow instructions from our qualified service technicians about leak checks and restoring service.

Important: A gauge reading of 0% is an estimated reading, not a precise diagnosis. If you believe your system is out of gas, treat it as an interruption of service and contact us.

Prevent an unexpected runout

For will-call delivery, we recommend requesting propane when your gauge approaches 25%. The gauge is an estimate and conditions can change quickly in cold weather.

Tanks are commonly filled to about 80% to allow room for liquid propane expansion.

Carbon Monoxide

Protect your family from carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous, colorless, odorless gas that can result from improperly operating or vented fuel-burning equipment.

If your CO alarm sounds

Get everyone outside immediately and call 911 from a safe location. Do not return until emergency personnel tell you it is safe.

Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, and confusion. Seek emergency medical help if CO poisoning is suspected.

Prevention essentials

  • Install and maintain CO alarms according to manufacturer instructions.
  • Have fuel-burning appliances inspected and serviced as recommended.
  • Keep appliance vents and combustion-air openings clear.
  • Never use outdoor grills, camp stoves, or generators indoors or in a garage.
  • Never use a gas oven or cookstove to heat your home.
Severe Weather

After storms, floods, or unusual weather.

Central Texas weather can change quickly. Heavy rain, flooding, high winds, and falling debris may affect propane tanks, piping, and equipment.

Before a storm

Know where your propane tank is located, keep the access route clear, and keep emergency contact information handy.

After high winds or flooding

If a tank has shifted, piping looks bent or damaged, or equipment has been submerged, stay clear and contact Fayetteville Propane. Do not try to reposition a tank or repair a gas line yourself.

Before restoring service

If your gas was shut off, or the system was affected by flooding or damage, have a qualified technician inspect it before turning the gas back on.

Cold weather safety

Keep vents and regulators unobstructed. Never apply heaters, flames, or other external heat sources to a propane tank or cylinder.

Simple Safety Checklist

Is your home propane-ready?

Use this quick checklist as a reminder. It does not replace a professional inspection.

  • Everyone in the household knows what to do if they smell gas.
  • Propane, carbon monoxide, and smoke alarms are appropriately installed and maintained.
  • The tank and gas equipment remain accessible and clear of vegetation and debris.
  • Appliance and exhaust vents are unobstructed.
  • A qualified professional handles gas piping, maintenance, and safety concerns.
  • Your propane gauge is checked regularly, with a refill requested around 25% if using will-call service.
  • Emergency numbers are available to everyone who may need them.
Watch & Learn

Propane Safety Videos

Six short videos covering common propane safety situations and good habits.

How to Turn Your Tank Off

If You Suspect a Gas Leak

How to Read a Tank Gauge

Handling and Transporting Small Cylinders

Getting Your Propane System Inspected

Appliance Conversion: Leave It to a Pro

Questions about your propane system?

Our local team can help with maintenance, inspections, and service questions. For suspected leaks or an immediate danger, evacuate and call 911 from a safe location.

Contact Our Offices →