Protecting heating equipment during a flood: Lessons learned from Irene
As we approach the one year anniversary of Irene, heating fuel providers throughout Vermont are participating in a tank safety education campaign. The outreach effort reminds Vermonters that there are a number of things that should be done before, during and after a flooding event to protect their family and home.Make sure your fuel provider has done an inspection of your tank. Fuel oil tanks should be anchored in place in flood prone areas. In some cases, it is recommended that propane tanks also be anchored. Contact your heating fuel provider for more information.If heating equipment has been flooded, be sure to shut off the tank service valve if it is safe to do so.If you suspect any of your heating equipment, tank, supply regulator or other components have been under water or damaged, or physically moved (even slightly) by flooding, schedule a time for a Vermont certified heating technician to perform a complete inspection. If propane gas supply has been turned off, do not attempt to restore service. Do not use equipment until your system has been inspected by a qualified service technician.If you notice any spilled or leaking oil, contact your fuel provider immediately. Quick response in these situations can help mitigate property damage and prevent fuel oil from seeping into soil and groundwater. You can contact the Vermont Hazmat Hotline at 1-800-641-5005.If your propane tank has become dislodged, or if you suspect you may have a propane leak, immediately shut down the affected equipment and turn off the gas if it is safe to do so. Leave the area and contact your propane dealer. If you can’t reach your propane dealer, call 911. If you find a propane or oil tank on your property that is not yours, or if your tank is missing, contact your local fire department, your local fuel dealer, or the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association. CLICK HERE to download the Vermont Tank Safety brochure. Montpelier, VT (August 15, 2012)