RRC
Published: 09-12-08
AUSTIN -As hurricane Ike bears down on Texas Railroad Commissioners Michael L. Williams Victor G. Carrillo and Elizabeth A. Jones today reminded propane gas users in the path of the storm to secure their propane storage tanks and appliances.
The Railroad Commission is the state agency in charge of propane safety in Texas. “Hurricanes can bring storm surges high winds tornadoes and flooding so you want to ensure your propane tank is secured” Williams said. “In addition consumers should ensure an adequate supply of fuel in the tank. That way even if power is out after the storm you can still cook have hot water and even heat with propane if you need to.”
The Commissioners recommended that at first notice of a hurricane warning consumers should secure their propane tanks and turn off gas supply valves. An inexpensive way to secure a horizontal outside propane tank is to run straps over the tank and attach them to ground anchors. It is also important to fasten the protective dome on the storage tank and turn off appliance pilot lights control valves and manual shut-off valves.
“When the power goes out residents with properly prepared propane equipment can help their families recover with a reliable supply of energy” Carrillo said. “Being prepared for the storm’s aftermath and knowing how to deal with possible tank damage is fundamental to getting your life back on track.”
After a storm tanks piping appliances and other propane equipment should be inspected for visible structural damage and checked for leakage. If a propane gas odor is detected contact your propane company or a qualified propane technician immediately. These technicians should also handle any tank that has shifted or moved; if the regulator or appliances were exposed to water; or if the gas lines were broken bent or damaged.
“Propane generators are becoming more popular to take care of power outages that often follow hurricanes” said Jones. “Consumers can choose between a portable generator or an automatic standby unit that automatically supplies electricity to selected circuits during an outage whether you are home or away.”
The Railroad Commission offers a free easy-to-carry safety checklist in both English and Spanish to help Texans prepare their propane tanks for weather-related emergencies. The checklist is available online at www.propane.tx.gov under “Home and Business Uses” or you can call the Commission’s Alternative Fuels Research and Education Division at 800-64-CLEAR 800-642-5327.
