Emergency Procedures
Besides the information below, we also have videos in our safety section. If you can not find the answer to your propane questions please contact us and let us help.
Immediately follow these steps if you smell propane:
- NO FLAMES OR SPARKS Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, electrical switches, telephones, or cell phones.
- LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect a leak.
- SHUT OFF THE GAS Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
- REPORT THE LEAK Call from a neighbor's home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call us right away. If you can't reach us, call 911 or your local fire department.
- DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA Wait until a professional determines that it is safe to do so.
- GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak free.
You should contact Automatic L.P. Gas Co. when you:
- Smell propane
- Suspect you have a leak in your system
- Need a propane appliance connected or disconnected
- Move, or if there will be a change in tenant status
- Purchase a new or replace an existing propane appliance
- Have plans for an outdoor project that requires digging
- Experience a life change such as a new baby or a child moving away
What does propane smell like—The "Sniff" Test?
Propane has a strong, unpleasant smell like rotten eggs, a skunk's spray or a dead animal. Because propane is an odorless gas, manufacturers add this smell deliberately to help alert customers in the event of a leak. Not sure you'd recognize the smell of propane? Give us a call. We'd be happy to send you a scratch-and-sniff brochure or let you smell the propane the next time we are out filling your tank.