Propane safety

Almost 90% of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas fires in homes between 1994- 1998 involved ignition by some form of equipment. The most common types were open-fired grills, hot water heaters and stoves. In the United States, LPgas for residential use is almost exclusively propane; however, butane is also an LP-gas.

Facts & figures

In 1998, there were 1,600 LP-gas fires in U.S. homes, resulting in 41 deaths, 260 injuries and $30.8 million in direct property damage.

The leading cause of LP-gas fires from 1994-1998 was part failure, leak or break.

Almost 90 percent of LP-gas fires involved some type of equipment, and the leading types were open- fired grills, water heaters and stoves.

Source: NFPA's "U.S. Home Product Report: Forms and Types of Materials First Ignited in Fires: Gases" report by Kimberly Rohr, December 2001.

Handle any propane-powered equipment cautiously and always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Cylinder tanks for equipment such as stoves and ovens must be located outside of the home.

Never store or use propane gas cylinders larger than one pound inside the home.

Never operate a propane-powered gas grill inside the home.

Have propane gas equipment inspected periodically by a professional for possible leaks or malfunctioning parts.

Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions when lighting a pilot.

If you smell a strong odor of gas, leave the area immediately and call the fire department from outside the home.

www.nfpa.org