Winter Weather Safety

When winter weather approaches, preparation makes all the difference. Sharp Energy is ready to deliver safe, reliable propane service even during cold and severe conditions. While many components of your propane system are outdoors, proper preparation helps ensure reliable service and keeps your home and family safe throughout the winter months.

We’re also here to help you prepare. Sharing simple safety tips is part of our commitment to protecting you, your loved ones and your home this winter.

Use Heating Equipment Safely

  • Heat your home only with appliances designed and approved for indoor use, such as propane furnaces or space heaters rated for indoor operation.
  • Never use grills, camp stoves, ovens or other outdoor appliances indoors or in enclosed areas.
  • If you use a portable space heater, place it on a hard, level surface.
  • Keep flammable items, including bedding, curtains and furniture, at least three feet away from all heating equipment.

Keep Vents and Air Intakes Clear

  • Propane appliances require proper ventilation to operate safely.
  • Check exhaust vents and air intakes regularly, especially after snowfall or freezing precipitation.
  • Gently clear snow or ice using a broom or brush.
  • Never block or place items in front of vents, chimneys or air intake openings.

Protect Your Propane Tank and Equipment

  • Propane tanks and regulators are designed to withstand winter weather but must remain clear of snow and ice.
  • Keep your tank, regulator and piping visible and accessible at all times.
  • After snowfall, gently brush snow away from the tank, regulator and surrounding area.
  • Never use hot water, sharp tools or salt to remove ice.
  • Avoid piling snow near the tank and use caution when shoveling or snow blowing nearby.

Maintain Access For Propane Deliveries

  • Clear driveways, paths and gates that provide access to your propane tank.
  • Mark the location of your tank and underground propane lines with flags or stakes before winter weather arrives.
  • Keep pets secured on delivery days to help ensure safe access.
  • Safe access helps prevent delivery delays during severe weather.

Operate Generators Safely

  • Use generators outdoors only.
  • Keep generators well away from doors, windows and vents to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home.
  • Never operate generators in garages, crawl spaces or near openings to occupied areas.

Help Prevent Frozen Pipes

  • Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, basements and other unheated areas.
  • Open cabinet doors beneath sinks to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
  • Allow faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold to help prevent freezing.

Install and Maintain Carbon Monoxide Detectors

  • Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and within 10 feet of sleeping areas.
  • Test detectors regularly.
  • Replace batteries as needed or when the alarm alerts you.

If You Smell Propane

Propane has a strong, distinctive odor similar to rotten eggs.

If you smell propane:

  • Leave the area immediately.
  • Avoid flames, sparks and anything that could ignite gas.
  • Do not use phones, light switches or electronics in the area.
  • Call Sharp Energy and 911 from a safe location.

Help Managing Winter Bills

Cold weather can lead to higher heating costs, and Sharp Energy is here to help. If you’re having difficulty managing winter energy expenses, assistance options may be available.

Energy Assistance Programs
Federal, state and local programs may help income eligible households with winter heating costs.

Payment Options
Sharp Energy offers payment solutions that may help you manage seasonal bills.

Customer Care Support
Our team can help you explore options and connect you with available resources.

SHARE Program

Customers who are elderly, disabled or living on a fixed income may qualify for a grant toward their natural gas heating bill through the SHARE Program.

Contact our Customer Care team by calling 888.742.7740, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Delivering reliable propane service and supporting our customers year round is part of the Sharp Energy commitment.