October 18, 2021 – Appliances, Home Owners, Outdoor Living Tips, Safety
Owning a second home or a vacation home is wonderful! Getting to experience a change of scenery on-demand is a gift.
However, if your extra home is propane-powered and in a heavy snowfall area, it’s a good idea to have a plan for winter safety in place for winter storms. In the event of extreme weather when you’re not around, you’ll need to take some simple steps to ensure that your propane system remains in good working order.
Taking these four simple steps before, during, and after winter weather arrives will keep you, your loved ones, and your neighbors safe and able to enjoy your second home for years to come!
Designate a caretaker: In advance, arrange for someone you trust to care for your home in the event of severe weather while you’re away. Getting in touch with a property management company or a snow removal service is a great option! They can keep an eye on your home heating system and appliances if you’re unable to be present in the aftermath of a storm.
Map out your heating system: Show your caretaker the location of all regulators, pipes, tanks, and other parts of your propane system — remembering to include the underground pipes, if there are any. Preparing a diagram of your property’s propane system and giving copies to your caretaker, your homeowners’ association, your property management company, plus any contractors working on site.
Make sure the propane delivery area is kept clear and accessible: Make sure your caretaker understands that maintaining access to propane equipment is critical after a severe weather event. This includes tanks as well as secondary pressure regulators. Ask that they also care for areas leading up to your tank’s delivery point, including your driveway. If the Paraco delivery person can’t reach the propane equipment, running low can lead to problems.
Examine the propane system when you return: The next time you visit your home after a winter storm, closely look at the propane system for evidence of damage from ice and snow. Pay extra attention if you notice any rotten egg-smelling propane odor inside or outside the house — and make sure you know what to do if you smell it.
Follow these tips and you can be confident that your family will have a safe, peaceful return to your vacation home!
Want more severe weather tips and checklists? Check out the Paraco Storm Center.
Thanks for the tip that I should make sure that the propane delivery area is very accessible when it comes to getting propane gas services. I’m planning to optimize my home’s heating soon because it’s nearly winter. I think that using propane fuel will be the most economical choice for the size of my home.
It really helped when you mentioned how to make sure your property is safe from propane-caused accidents. My aunt purchased a vacation home a few months ago, and since she’s not using it right now, I think your propane tips will interest her. I think you did a great job explaining how to prevent a propane incident by keeping your delivery area accessible.