Fall Newsletter: Preparing for Cozy Island Days Ahead

Vibrant fall colors overlooking Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands. Picture from State of WA Tourism

Greetings from Inter Island Propane LLC! As the leaves turn golden and the ferry rides get a bit chillier in the San Juan Islands, we're here to ensure your home stays warm and safe through the season. Fall is the perfect time to prep your propane system for winter—let's dive into some essential tips inspired by industry best practices.

Fall Safety and Maintenance Checklist

Drawing from propane experts across the country, here's a quick guide to keep your system in top shape:

• Check Your Tank Levels: Aim to keep your tank at least 35% full to avoid run-outs during stormy weather. If you're on our tank monitoring system, we'll handle the alerts for you!

  

• Consider a Tank Monitor: Use our TANK MONITORS to keep track of your fuel levels, which helps with fuel management and avoiding run-outs

• Clear Debris Around Your Tank: Remove fallen leaves, branches, or firewood stacked nearby. Cutback any blackberry bushes. This prevents hazards and ensures easy access for deliveries.

• Prepare for Island Weather: With rain, wind, or possible snow, you may want to mark your driveway:  If you have a long or winding driveway, consider marking the path with stakes to guide the driver safely or help them keep off areas that are muddy.

• Appliance Tune-Up: Have a qualified technician check your propane heaters, stoves, and generators. Many companies recommend this annually for efficiency and safety.

  
  

  To Improve Efficiency:

  
  

• Maintain appliances: Have your propane appliances professionally serviced annually to ensure they are working efficiently and safely.

• Improve home insulation: Seal air leaks and add insulation to your home to reduce your overall propane consumption.

• Use a smart thermostat: Install a smart thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures and save fuel when you're away or sleeping.

Combo Smoke and CO Detector

Smoke Detectors and CO Detectors: For optimal safety during the winter, you should test and maintain all smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors as part of your seasonal home preparation. Increased use of furnaces, fireplaces, and other fuel-burning appliances in the colder months heightens the risk of both fires and CO incidents.

• Smoke and CO detector checklist

  • Test your alarms

  • Test monthly: Press the "Test" button on all smoke and CO alarms once a month to ensure the alarm sounds properly. If an alarm is weak, silent, or fails the test, replace the batteries or the unit itself.

  • Test hardwired alarms: Hardwired alarms should also be tested regularly, as they typically have a battery backup that may have died.

• Replace batteries and units

  • Change batteries annually: Replace the batteries in all battery-operated and hardwired alarms at least once a year. A good time to remember is when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.

  • Check expiration dates: Most smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years and CO detectors every 5 to 7 years. The expiration or manufacturing date is usually printed on the back of the unit. If you cannot find a date, replace the unit to be safe.

  • Consider 10-year alarms: Some alarms use a sealed 10-year lithium-ion battery that does not require yearly replacement

More Safety Information

• Propane and Power Outages Flyer

• How to turn your Propane Off In Emergencies VIDEO

• What do if I smell gas? VIDEO

• The Complete Propane Safety Booklets

Stay safe and cozy, San Juan Islands!

Questions? Call us at (360) 378-1025 or visit www.interislandpropane.com. We're your local partners on Orcas, Lopez, San Juan and all outer islands—here to keep the warmth flowing.

-The Inter Island Propane Team