Safety
Propane Safety in Your Home
Basic Safety Guidelines:
Did you know that of all the alternative fuels, propane has the lowest flammability range? Did you know that propane is nontoxic, nonpoisonous and that it doesn't contaminate aquifers (underground water) or soil? What's more, unlike gasoline and alcohol fuels, propane can't be ingested because it is stored in a closed container under pressure, and it vaporizes instantly when released from the container.
Even though propane, when used wisely and correctly, is a safe fuel, there are still some common sense safety precautions that should be applied when you use propane.
If You Smell Gas:
To ensure that everyone in your home is aware of a potential gas leak, Sharp Energy periodically sends "gas smellers" to its customers with their invoices. Gas smellers come with a "scratch and sniff" spot so you and those living in your home can become familiar with the "rotten egg" smell added to propane gas.
If you should ever smell propane in your home:
Leave immediately without doing anything that could cause a spark, such as turning off light switches. Extinguish all open flames. Do not use matches or lighters, and do not attempt to light your appliances. Do not touch electric switches, thermostats, or appliance controls. Do not use your telephone or wireless phone. Leave all doors and windows open as you exit and do not open windows if they're not already open. Leave the premises and go to a safe place to call us and stay away from the area until we arrive. Call your 24-hour Sharp Energy emergency number from a cell phone outside, or from the home of a neighbor. If you are comfortable doing so, you may turn off your gas outside at the tank or meter.
If You Smell Gas and Suspect You Have a Gas Leak, Call
Us Immediately!
Sharp Energy provides 24-hour emergency service every day of the year.
In Maryland:
Easton 410.822.8567
Pocomoke 410.957.1501
Salisbury 410.749.4147
In Delaware:
Dover 302.734.1184
Georgetown 302.856.6648
In Virginia:
Belle Haven 757.442.4328
Chincoteague 757.336.6341
In Pennsylvania:
Honey Brook 610.273.9957
Allentown 610.530.1535
Before You Dig:
Also, remember that before digging in your yard, you must call Miss
Utility so that underground utilities and gas lines can be marked.
It is dangerous, and against the law, to dig without first contacting
Miss Utility.
In Delaware:
1.800.282.8555
In Maryland:
800.441.8355
In Virginia:
800.257.7777
In Pennsylvania:
800.242.1776
Or, you can visit Miss Utility's website at www.missutility.net
Flood Damage:
Be aware that water can damage the internal safety mechanism
in the gas controls of meters and appliances. If you suspect that
your appliance gas controls may have gotten wet due to flooding,
for example, have a trained technician inspect them and replace them
if necessary. Also, if the ground above your underground tank is
flooded, contact your local Sharp Energy
office.
Propane Heating Appliances:
It's a good idea to have your propane heating appliances inspected
annually by a trained service technician. All furnaces can collect
lint and dirt, and should be cleaned regularly. Include this on your
list of summer or early fall tasks so that when you turn on your heater in
cold weather, it is working properly. For more information, contact
your local Sharp Energy office. If you
reside in Sharp Energy's Salisbury District, you may consider Sharp's
Peace of Mind Protection Plan to protect you against costly repairs
of your heater and water heater.
Water Heaters:
Propane gas water heaters must be properly vented, and should be
installed or serviced only by trained technicians. You may extend
the life of your water heater by draining your tank periodically
of two to three gallons of water. This helps to eliminate sediment
that builds up on the bottom of the tank. If you reside in Sharp
Energy's Salisbury District, you may consider Sharp's
Peace of Mind Protection Plan to protect you against costly repairs
of your heater and water heater.
Gas Ranges:
Check out the color of your flame; if it is not blue, have your
unit serviced because a yellow flame may mean that air inlets are
clogged or burners need adjusting. Make sure a qualified service
technician makes the adjustments.
In addition, don't cover the bottom of your oven with foil--it restricts
air circulation. Never use your burners or oven to heat your home,
and don't allow children to turn the burner control knobs on the
range--if the burner doesn't light, gas can escape. Never leave
food unattended while cooking, and keep all flammable materials away
from the burners.
Propane Grills:
Always use your gas grill outdoors in a well ventilated area. It is dangerous
to store your gas cylinders indoors. In case of an accident your insurance
may not provide complete coverage if you store your gas cylinders indoors or
even in an enclosed space such a detached garage and, when you are having your
cylinder replaced or refilled, ask your local supplier if they will inspect
of the cylinder.
Ask for Identification
For your personal protection, all Sharp Energy employees are required
to carry identification cards. Before you allow a service technician
to enter your home, request to see identification.
Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation is crucial to gas equipment safety. We are responsible
for ensuring that our equipment is installed properly. For your safety,
we suggest that you use qualified technicians for work on any of
the gas equipment inside your home.
Tampering
Not only is tampering with Sharp Energy propane gas equipment dangerous,
it is a crime. Illegal connections or bypasses create dangerous conditions
for both building occupants and neighbors. If you suspect intentional
tampering with our equipment or gas theft, please alert us. Your
call will be kept confidential.
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