The smell of propane should always be addressed immediately. It is important to recognize what propane smells like and to report all suspected leaks to Parco Propane!

If you smell something like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal around your appliances or tanks…

- NO FLAMES OR SPARKS! Immediately put out all smoking materials or other open flames (example burning candles). DO NOT operate your lights, appliances, telephones or cell phones.
- LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY! Get everyone out of the home, building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
- SHUT OFF THE GAS SUPPLY! Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank(s) if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, lift the hood of your tank (if available), look for the valve (looks like outside water faucet), turn it to the right (clockwise).
- REPORT THE LEAK. Call from your neighbor’s house or other nearby building away from the gas leak. Parco Propane’s number is 304-363-4230.
- DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING OR AREA until a service technician from Parco Propane determines it is safe to do so.
- GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED/SERVICED. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, a Parco Propane technician must conduct a Leak/Safety Inspection and Gas Check on your entire system to confirm it is safe to operate.

Always read the back of your billing invoices or gas tickets for reminder information on what to do.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and toxic gas. Smoking a cigarette; idling a gasoline engine; and burning fuel oil, wood, kerosene, natural gas, and propane all produce CO. Dangerously high levels of CO can be produced when fuels are burned incompletely.

High levels of CO can be generated by appliances that are defective or improperly installed or maintained. Incomplete combustion of propane can produce very high levels of CO. Carbon monoxide can also enter a home if an appliance venting system or chimney becomes block.

CO Detectors can improve safety. For an extra measure of safety, consider installing a CO detector listed by UL on each level of your home. Pick up your gas Carbon Monoxide Detector at our Blue Flame office for peace of mind for your family! Your service technician can also deliver your CO detector to you when doing services on your systems, just call the office to get everything arranged!

Some ways to avoid CO:
- USE THE RIGHT KIND OF HEATER. Some propane heaters are designed only for outdoor use. Others are designed only for indoor use. Check the owner’s manual to be sure you are using the right kind of heater. Heaters can either be vent free or vented/direct vented style units with regards to exhaust ventilation. Vent Free heaters require no venting to be installed for proper operation. Vented Heaters require vent pipe to be installed to expel exhaust gases to the outside.
- DO NOT USE AN OUTDOOR HEATER INDOORS (INCLUDES GENERATORS). High levels of carbon monoxide can be generated from heaters that are not designed for indoor use. High levels of CO can make you dizzy, give you headaches, or cause flu-like symptoms. In extreme cases, extended exposure to CO can result in brain damage or death. USE EXTREME CAUTION!
- READ YOUR SPACE HEATER MANUAL! The appliance manufacturer’s manual that came with your space heaters instructs the owner on how to set up and operate the unit in a safe manner. Read the entire manual and carefully follow all instructions. Blue Flame can help you with choosing the right heater for your needs!