For those who use safe and reliable propane to heat their water, cook their meals, or fuel their heating systems, the Propane Education & Research Council and the Colorado Propane Gas Association recommend the following:

BE PREPARED

Review suggested preparations for a natural disaster such as a fire with your propane supplier as well as with other utility suppliers. Advise them in advance of any special needs you may have.

Know how and where to shut off your propane supply and other utilities.

Know your community's disaster warning signals (sirens) and how to tune into local broadcast media and/or the Emergency Broadcast Network.

Consult local police, fire department, civil defense and other authorities for suggested courses of actions.

Post all emergency numbers in a convenient spot.

Remember that propane tanks should never be stored indoors.

IF FIRES THREATEN

If it is safe to do so, remove any debris or combustible material from around the propane tank(s).

If it is safe to do so, move any smaller cylinders (such as barbecue tanks) away from the structure.

Use caution when evacuating. Turn off the service valve on the propane tank in a clockwise direction and the shutoff valve on all propane appliances. (Be sure to check with your propane supplier if you are unsure about the location of the valves.) The propane tank service valve should be left off until the system and appliances have been checked by a qualified service person.

RECOVERY

Use caution when re-entering the residence or returning to the site. If you smell leaking gas, do not operate electrical switches, appliances, telephones or cellphones, as these can cause a spark that can ignite an explosion. Contact your fuel supplier from another site, and do not re- enter until the building has been inspected.

If your propane tank has shifted position; gas lines are bent, broken, or damaged; or you see something unusual about your system or appliance, turn off the propane tank service valve if it is safe to do so. Contact your propane supplier or a qualified technician.

Contact your propane supplier or qualified technician to schedule a complete inspection of your propane tank, piping, and system to determine if fire damage has compromised its integrity. If valves have been shut off, a leakage test is required prior to reinitiating service. Propane tanks may need to be repaired.

For additional information on preparing for wildfires, contact your local propane supplier, visit www.propane.com or contact Baron Glassgow at the Colorado Propane Gas Association.