Immediately put out all smoking materials, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.

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

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 (clockwise).

From a neighbor's home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you can't reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.

Wait until your propane retailer determines that it is safe to do so.

Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.

Odor fade is an unintended reduction in the concentration of the odor of propane, making it more difficult to smell. Although rare, several situations can cause odor fade: The presence of air, water, or rust in a propane tank or cylinder. The passage of leaking propane trough the soil. Since there is a possibility of odor fade or problems with your sense of smell, you should respond immediately to even a faint odor of gas.

Propane gas detectors sound an alarm if they sense propane in the air. They can provide an additional measure of security in homes with little-used areas or with occupants who have difficulty smelling propane.

Buy only units that are listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding installation and maintenance. Never ignore the smell of propane, even if no detector is sounding an alarm.