Snow Safety

We’re fully into the winter season now, which means the potential for snow being part of your daily forecast is high. Every homeowner knows the anxiety that comes along with a big snowfall, and what it takes to keep your home and property safe and easy to navigate. If your home utilizes propane for heating or other purposes, there is the added stress of keeping your propane system safe and accessible through winter weather.

When dealing with the snow accumulation on your property, don’t neglect your propane system – read on for helpful tips and information to keep your home and family safe this season.

Clear A Path

Clearing snow from your driveway is arguably the most bothersome task that comes along with a snowfall, however it must be done. Always keep in mind that even though you may be able to get your vehicle down your driveway, a propane truck might struggle. Clearing a path for these trucks the whole way to the propane tank will ensure easy delivery and maintenance, as well as safety for the drivers. Making sure your property is prepared for propane delivery and maintenance when needed is imperative to keeping your system running efficiently throughout the winter months.

Remove Snow and Ice From Tank

Buildup of heavy snow and ice can be detrimental to your propane tank. Making sure it is cleared off after a winter storm will help prevent any possible damage to your tank that could lead to leaks or greater issues, and also ensure accessibility in the event of a tank refill. You should never use a shovel to remove snow and ice from your propane system. Instead, use a broom to prevent any damage to the tank.

Check Your Tree Limbs

Snow and Ice has a tendency to accumulate on and weigh down tree limbs, and although very pretty to look at, this can be hazardous. These low hanging tree limbs could be blocking your driveway or the path to your propane tank, making it hard for the propane truck to reach the tank for a refill. As mentioned before, it is important to make your tank easily accessible for these trucks, so you may need to cut down these limbs or clear off the snow and ice.

There may also be tree limbs hanging above your tank that could either break off and fall onto the tank, or drop heavy snow and ice onto the tank. Pay attention to these limbs, and clear them off or cut them down to prevent damage to your tank.

Allow For Proper Ventilation

Buildup of snow and ice has the potential to block ventilation points around your home. Keeping these vents clear of any snow, ice, and debris will ensure your propane system and home are getting the proper ventilation to keep your home and family safe. Use caution when clearing snow away from your vents so no damage is caused to any appliances or portions of your propane system.

Monitor Snow and Ice Accumulation

Keep an eye on the accumulation of snow and ice on your roof, trees, or other structures that the snow or ice could fall from. If it is safe to do so, clear these structures off so you don’t end up with damage or issues with your tank or propane system. When clearing these structures off, be careful not to brush the snow and ice directly onto the propane tank. This could cause leaks or cracks that could turn into greater issues down the road.

Your safety is important to us, and we are happy to help keep your family safe and warm this winter. You can find more winter safety tips on our website, or contact your Premier team for questions or concerns.