Savoring Summer in the San Juan Islands: Propane Safety Tips and Fall Prep from Inter Island Propane

Hello, Island Neighbors!

As we soak up the sunny days and long evenings here in the beautiful San Juan Islands, the team at Inter Island Propane wants to extend a warm hello to all our valued customers. Whether you're firing up the grill for a family barbecue, or enjoying a cozy firepit gathering, summer in the Islands is all about making memories with reliable, safe energy. Since our founding in 2016, we've been proud to serve as your local, family-operated propane provider—delivering not just fuel, but peace of mind through our legendary service and community spirit.

As we hit the peak of summer, it's the perfect time to share some essential propane safety tips to keep your outdoor fun worry-free. Then, we'll look ahead to fall, offering practical ideas to prepare your systems before the cooler weather rolls in. At Inter Island Propane, we're all about building those long-lasting relationships, so let's dive in and ensure your setup is ready for every season!

Summer Propane Safety Tips: Grill Smart, Stay Safe

Propane is a versatile, clean-burning fuel that's ideal for summer grilling, heating patios, or powering outdoor appliances—but safety always comes first. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• Use Outdoors Only: Always grill or use propane appliances in well-ventilated outdoor spaces. Never bring them indoors or into enclosed areas like garages or tents to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.firstalert.comcosumnescsd.gov

• Check for Leaks and Clean Regularly: Before firing up the grill, inspect your propane tank and hoses for leaks by applying a soapy water solution—if bubbles form, there's a leak! Also, clean off grease and fat buildup from grates and trays to prevent flare-up.

• Position Safely: Place your grill at least 10 feet away from your home, deck railings, or overhanging branches. Ensure it's on a flat, stable surface, and keep it upright at all times. Open the lid before lighting to let any built-up gas escape

• Supervise and Store Properly: Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area. When not in use, store cylinders upright in a cool, shaded spot outdoors—never near heat sources or in direct sunlight.

Remember, our CETP-certified technicians are here to help with inspections or setups. Feel free to visit our office in Friday Harbor whenever you're nearby and say hello! We're in the process of constructing a new office featuring a fireplace and an outdoor living showroom, set to open in 2026!

Preparing for Fall: Get Ahead of the Chill

As island summers give way to crisp fall days (and those famous Pacific Northwest rains), now's the time to prep your propane system for reliable performance through winter. With our advanced monitoring via the Inter Island Propane/Otodata App and 24/7 web portal, we make it easy to stay on top of things, but here are some proactive steps:

• Refill and Monitor Your Supply Early: Don't wait for the first frost—check your tank levels now and schedule a delivery to ensure you're full heading into fall. Our automated forecasting, powered by the cutting-edge Cargas Energy software, helps prevent shortages, while regular app checks using the Inter Island Propane Portal provide you with real-time graphs and alerts.

• Schedule a Professional Inspection: Have our team inspect your entire system, including tanks, lines, vents, and appliances, for efficiency and safety. Fix any drafts or insulation issues in your home to maximize fuel use, and ensure outdoor vents and chimneys are clear of debris/bird and bee nests.

• Keep Your System Accessible and Protected: Clear pathways and driveways to your tank for easy deliveries, and monitor for potential hazards.( Bees nests under lids) If your tank is in a difficult-to-find location, now is the time to place a marker for the drivers.

• Consider Adding a Monitor to your tank: With our 100% no-run-out guarantee through monitoring, you'll head into fall feeling secure.

By taking these steps, you'll avoid last-minute rushes and enjoy uninterrupted warmth when the weather turns. We're here to support you every step of the way—after all, our Brand Promise is all about safe, trustworthy service with that true island community vibe.

As we celebrate our upcoming 9th anniversary this September, we're grateful for the trust you've placed in us. If you have questions, need a delivery, or just want to chat about your setup, give us a call at (360) 378-1025, log into your portal, or stop by the office. Let's make this summer unforgettable and fall effortless!

Stay safe and sunny,

Donny Galt & Jimmie Lawson Co-Founders, Inter Island Propane LLC www.interislandpropane.com