Essential Propane Safety Tips for Your Home

June 26, 2025

It’s National Propane Safety Month! As we head into the summer season, homeowners across the Greater Houston area are prepping their backyard spaces, and relying more on propane-powered appliances. Propane is a safe, commonly used fuel, but it should always be handled responsibly. This starts with knowing how to recognize a potential propane leak. Don’t worry, Green’s Blue Flame Gas has you covered.

What Does Propane Smell Like?

Propane is an odorless gas, but an odorant is added to help individuals detect it. The smell is described as rotten eggs or a skunk’s spray, designed to be unmistakable and to prompt someone to take action.

What to Do If You Smell Gas

  1. NO FLAMES OR SPARKS. Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.
  2. LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY. Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
  3. SHUT OFF THE GAS. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
  4. REPORT THE LEAK. From a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call Green’s Blue Flame right away. If you can’t reach us, call 911 or your local fire department.
  5. DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA until Green’s Blue Flame, an emergency responder, or a qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.
  6. GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your qualified service technician at Green’s Blue Flame must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.¹

Other Propane Safety Practices

  • Keep the area around your propane tank clear of plants and clutter.
  • Create a family plan and choose a safe meeting spot outside of your home, just in case you ever need it.
  • Ensure everyone in your home knows what propane smells like.
  • Keep your propane tank filled to reduce the risk of a runout.

Are you in need of a fuel refill? Request a delivery with us or sign up for Tank-Monitored Autofill!

Related Post: Propane Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Have More Propane Safety Questions? Contact Us!

Your safety is our top priority, and the team at Green’s Blue Flame is ready to help! Contact our team with any questions about propane safety and for all your propane refill needs.

¹ https://propane.com/safety/safety-articles/what-to-do-if-you-smell-gas/