Fire Safety Article

Use Caution When Using and Storing Gasoline and Propane

Montana State Fire Marshal Allen Lorenz urges Montanans to be especially careful when using gas and propane in their barbecues, lawn mowers and other gas- or propane-fueled equipment.

Gasoline safety tips:

• Keep gasoline out of children's sight and reach. Children should never handle gasoline.
• If fire does start while handling gasoline, do not attempt to extinguish the fire or stop the flow of gasoline. Leave the area immediately, and call for help.
• Do not use or store gasoline near possible ignition sources, such as electrical devices, oil- or gas-fired appliances, or any other device that contains a pilot flame or a spark.
• Store gasoline outside the home in a garage or lawn shed, in a tightly closed metal or plastic container approved by an independent testing laboratory or your local or state fire authorities. Never store gasoline in glass containers or non-reusable plastic containers such as milk jugs.
• Store only as much gasoline as is necessary to power equipment, and let machinery cool before refueling it.
• Never use gasoline inside the home or as a cleaning agent.
• Clean up spills promptly and discard clean-up materials properly.
• Do not smoke when handling gasoline.
• Never use gasoline in place of kerosene.
• Only fill portable gasoline containers outdoors. Place the container on the ground before filling and never fill containers inside a vehicle or in the bed of a pick-up truck.
• Follow all manufacturers instructions when using electronic devices (those with batteries or connected to an electrical outlet) near gasoline.

Propane safety tips:

• 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.