Employee Appreciation for Valentine’s Day

Many people in the United States choose to relocate to the country side for the relative peace, tranquility, and solitude of rural life. Doing so, however, comes with some unique challenges. Perhaps the most difficult among these is being reliant on your own source of propane for heating and other important fuel applications.

Your home propane tank can be your lifeline, and when the weather turns extreme, it's vital that you keep it in good shape. Below, you'll find a guide to managing your home's fuel tank during extreme cold snaps. With these tips in mind, you can avoid dangerous breakdowns, keep your home warm, and feel secure in knowing you've taken the proper precautions.

Make Sure It's Marked

It's often said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this is certainly true in the case of looking out for your propane tank. If there's a chance that your tank will be buried under a snow drift or difficult to see in a blizzard, it can be at risk of being contacted by a plow or another piece of equipment and risking a serious incident.

Make sure your tank has been constructed at the highest possible elevation if you live in a place where snow is a common concern. It should also be thoroughly marked with flags and other brightly colored indicators to make sure that you know where it is and can avoid accidents at all times.

Keep It Clear

One of the most dangerous risks of any gas system is a buildup of carbon monoxide. If snow and ice are clogging the vents and flues on your tank, this odorless but deadly gas can build up to dangerous levels, threatening everyone in your home.

You should attempt to dig out all aspects of your tank's ventilation system and keep it as clear as possible. This will prevent delicate components from freezing and cracking as well as guarantee that you avoid a tragic home incident.

Inspect It Thoroughly

Once a storm has concluded, it's important that you scan your fuel tank for any possible damages. The aforementioned cracks in pipes can be one of the most common issues that arise due to extreme cold. Ice falling onto the tank from above can cause contact damage as it starts to slowly thaw. Be sure that you fully check the tank for any sign of damage, as even the most minor issue can quickly become extremely serious in an extreme environment.