Propane is naturally odorless, so a chemical called ethyl mercaptan is added to give it a distinct and easily recognizable rotten egg or sulfur-like smell. This is your primary warning sign.

In addition to the smell, there are other signs that can indicate a leak:

• Hissing Sounds: If you're near a tank, appliance, or gas line and hear a hissing or whistling noise, it could be the sound of propane escaping under pressure.
• Visual Cues: You might see a fine mist or a patch of frost on the propane tank or connected piping. If the leak is from an underground line, look for bubbling in standing water or patches of dead or dying vegetation along the gas line's path.
• Physical Symptoms: Breathing in high concentrations of propane can cause physical symptoms because it displaces oxygen. Be aware of signs like dizziness, nausea, headaches, or lightheadedness, which could signal a dangerous buildup of gas indoors.

Critical Safety Issues

Detecting a propane leak is a serious matter that requires immediate action. The main dangers are:

• Fire and Explosion: Propane is highly flammable. Even a small spark from a light switch, a phone, or a car engine can ignite the gas, leading to a fire or explosion.
• Asphyxiation: In a confined space, a large leak can displace the air you breathe. This can lead to a lack of oxygen, causing symptoms ranging from shortness of breath to unconsciousness.

What to Do Immediately If You Suspect a Leak

Your quick and correct response is the most important factor in staying safe.

• Stop everything. Do not use any electronics, operate light switches, use a telephone, or create any sparks.
• Get out. Immediately evacuate everyone from the building or the area of the suspected leak.
• Turn off the gas. If you can safely reach the main shut-off valve on your propane tank without entering a dangerous area, turn it clockwise to stop the flow of gas.
• Call for help. Once you are a safe distance away from the leak, you must call your propane supplier or the fire department (911).

The Critical Call to Your Propane Supplier

When you call your propane supplier's emergency line, you will be speaking with a representative who is trained to handle these situations. They will immediately dispatch a qualified professional to your location.

Be Prepared to Provide the Following Information:

• Your Location: Clearly state your full address, including the street number, name, city, and zip code.
• The Nature of the Emergency: Describe what you have experienced, such as "I smell a rotten egg odor" or "I heard a hissing sound."
• Safety Status: Inform them that you have already evacuated everyone from the premises and are calling from a safe location.

What the Propane Supplier Will Do:

• Confirm your safety: They will likely repeat instructions to stay away from the area and not re-enter.
• Dispatch a technician: A qualified service technician will be sent to your location immediately to assess and repair the leak.
  Inspect your system: The technician will perform a thorough inspection of your entire propane system (tank, lines, appliances) to pinpoint the leak.
• Restore service only when safe: They will not restore service until they can confirm the system is completely leak-free and safe to operate.

It is crucial that you do not attempt to turn the gas back on yourself. Only a certified technician can perform the necessary safety checks to ensure there are no lingering issues.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Recognizing the signs of a propane leak—and knowing exactly how to respond—can protect your home, your loved ones, and your community. Safety begins with awareness, but it doesn't stop there. Make sure your system is also physically protected from the elements with a simple upgrade like ProDomeSeal, which helps guard against moisture, pests, and debris entering your tank dome. Prevention and preparedness go hand in hand when it comes to propane safety.