According to the National Gas Propane Association 11 billion gallons of propane are consumed annually in the U.S. by more than 50 million residents. Most in home usage includes: heating and cooling their homes, cooking and refrigeration, drying clothes, barbecuing, lighting, and fueling their gas fireplaces.
U.S. Fire Departments responded to an estimated annual average of 1,390 home structure fires involving LP-gas in 2000-2004. These fires resulted in 23 civilian deaths, 193 civilian injuries and $49 million in direct property damage. Source: NFPA's Natural Gas and LP-Gas Home Structure Fires report by Jennifer Flynn, August 2007.
The National Association of Fire Investigators reports that users are 13 times more likely to be severely incurred or burned with Propane (LP Gas) vs. Natural Gas (Methane). Americans are more than 100 times more likely to be killed or severely incurred if there is a product failure using Propane (LP Gas) vs. Natural Gas (Methane).
As the season begins for increased recreation that requires propane usage with boating and barbecuing lets remind everyone of a few safety tips posted by the National Propane Gas Association for recreation usage of propane gas:
Do's:
- Grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
- Read and follow manufacturer's instructions
- Keep the cylinder valve closed when not in use.
- Please make sure grill is cooled before covering grill
- Store cylinders upright, vertical position away from sources of ignition.
- Before cylinder refills, have your supplier check for dents, damage, rust or leaks.
- After filling, take your cylinder home immediately. Do not leave the cylinder in your car.
- Never use matches or lighters to check for leaks.
- If there is a significant and uncontrollable release of gas or a fire, call the fire department immediately and move all people and pets away from the unit.
Don'ts:
- Do not smoke while handling the propane cylinder.
- Do not leave the cylinder in your vehicle.
- Do not use matches or lighters to check for leaks.
- Do not allow children to tamper or play with the cylinder or grill.
- Do not use, store or transport your cylinder where it would be exposed to high temperatures. (This includes storing spare cylinders under or near the grill.)