With seasonal and vacation rentals becoming increasing popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to stress safety to renters in these propane-powered units.
If you supply rental properties that use propane for heating, cooking or drying clothes, you can’t assume that your renters are familiar with how to use a propane system. Here are some basic propane facts to share with them:
The benefits of propane
Propane gas is a clean, safe, reliable energy source that can be used to power furnaces; appliances including stoves, clothes dryers and water heaters; fireplaces; generators; and outdoor grills.
How to recognize the smell of propane
Propane gas is naturally colorless and odorless, but propane manufacturers add a strong sulfuric smell to help customers detect a leak. Many people compare the additive smell of propane to sewage or skunk spray.
What to do if you smell it
• Leave the area and get outside immediately.
• If it is safe to do so, turn off the main supply valve on the propane container.
• Call your local propane retailer.
• After normal business hours, call the local fire department or 911.
• Do not return to the home until a qualified service technician or emergency responder says it is safe to do so.
Clearly post contact info
Make sure the name and phone number of your company is clearly posted for renters, so they know who to call if they have questions or problems. It’s a good idea to include this information with other emergency phone numbers, including those for the local fire department and police. Consider leaving a copy of PERC’s “Important Propane Safety Information For You And Your Family” pamphlet on the counter so renters can read helpful safety information. It is available at http://propane.com
Keeping renters safe
One final step to help ensure the safety of a renter is a tank monitor. Having a tank monitor will help maintain a stable supply of propane for a customer who may be unfamiliar with propane.
Call CHS Energy Equipment at (800) 852-8186, option 1 to find out what options are available for tank monitors.
If you have any questions about tank monitors and safe propane use, contact: Ken Mueller, hazardous gas safety technician, CHS Country Operations at 217-503-8100 or CHS Energy Equipment at (800) 852-8186, option 1.