Propane Safety

Keeping your family safe is Florida Public Utilities’s top priority. Be proactive and take time to review these safety tips with your family.

Florida Public Utilities sends out safety information throughout the year updating you through emails and social media. It is important that we are able to provide weather-related safety information to you and your family. For the most up-to-date weather alerts and emergency information, stay subscribed to our emails and follow us on social media.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your servicing office.

An unpleasant odor has been added to enable you to detect even the slightest leak. Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray or a dead animal. Propane manufacturers add the smell to help alert customers to propane leaks, which can create a safety hazard.

If you smell gas or suspect you have a gas leak, please take these safety steps from Propane Education & Research Council, or PERC.

No flames or sparks

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.

Leave the area immediately

Leave the area immediately! Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.

Shut off the gas

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.

Report the leak

Report the leak. From a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call Florida Public Utilities right away. If you can’t reach Florida Public Utilities, call 911 or your local fire department.

Do not return to the building

Do not return to the building or area until emergency responders or a qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.

Get your system checked

Get your system checked. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, a Florida Public Utilities Propane service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.

Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and poisonous. Inadequate ventilation or a gas appliance malfunction can cause carbon monoxide buildup. You may have a buildup problem if the air in your home smells stale or stuffy, has high humidity or you find soot from your propane gas fireplace or furnace throughout your home.

If members of your household experience flu-like symptoms, loss of muscle control, headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea or vomiting, exposure to carbon monoxide may be the cause of the illness. If you believe you have been exposed to carbon monoxide seek immediate medical attention.

To learn more, download the brochure.

PERC Carbon Monoxide Brochure

If you smell gas and believe you have a gas leak, call us immediately or call 911. We provide 24-hour emergency service every day of the year.

DeBary: 386.668.3201
Fernandina Beach: 904.430.4738
Hernando: 352.447.2790
Lantana: 561.838.1814
Newberry: 352.472.0046
Okeechobee: 863.763.2115; 863.983.8112
Winter Haven: 352.447.2790

Our top priority is our customers, employees and the communities. Florida Public Utilities would like to provide you with safety weather tips before, during and after severe weather.

To learn more, download our brochures, provided by Propane Education & Research Council or visit: www.propane.com

FPU encourages you to protect yourself, your family and your belongings by taking important safety measures regarding storm preparation and survival.

Click on the icons below for more specific ways you can help ensure your safety before, during and after the storm.