Written on: January 11, 2021
When winter weather sends temperatures here in south and central Oklahoma plummeting, you want to make sure you have a reliable supply of propane to keep your home warm and comfortable.
But there is something you need to do after it snows: Clear your driveway. If our delivery trucks can’t safely get down your driveway or access your propane tank, we can’t make a delivery.
Your driveway needs to be cleared wide enough for our trucks to get in, so make sure your driveway is cleared to a width of about 10 feet. If possible, provide a space for the truck to turn around.
There needs to be clear, safe path at least a foot wide from the driveway to your propane tank. Mark the tank’s location with a pole topped with a bright-colored flag or wide ribbon. The pole needs to be tall enough to be seen over heavy or drifted snow.
It is essential this time of year to not let your propane tank gauge levels fall below 30% before contacting us to request a propane delivery. Bad weather can delay deliveries, putting you at risk of running low or, worse, running out of propane.
You can avoid this worry by signing up for Automatic Delivery. We’ll use your propane usage history and current weather conditions to know when you’ll need propane and schedule a delivery to your home before you run low.
If you have an aboveground propane tank, you need to keep it clear of snow. That blanket of snow keeps the heat from the sun from reaching the propane in your tank. Propane shrinks in the cold. If it gets too cold, there may not be enough pressure in your tank to get the propane to your propane appliances. Keeping your tank covered in snow is also dangerous. The weight of deep snow can damage the fittings and joints, and could make the whole tank shift, all of which can create leaks. The snow can also prevent leaking gas from escaping, which can create a dangerous gas buildup.
After each snowfall, go outside with a broom and clear snow off and away from the tank. Don’t use a shovel or plow near the tank, as they can damage the tank or its parts.
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