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GENERAL PRECAUTIONARY ITEMS
Propane
Your propane tank is located outside with plenty of air circulation around it for a good reason: vapors do vent from the tank regulator. It is therefore important that you do NOT enclose the tank and block that circulation. If you small gas consistently around the tank, or if you see lots of bees collecting around the tank or fittings, you should check for leaks. To make a leak test solution, gently add one part liquid dishwashing detergent to several parts water; try to avoid making bubbles as you mix, and let it stand until all bubbles disappear before using. Slowly drip, drizzle or brush the solution onto the propane fittings, one at a time. A leak will cause bubbles to appear. If you detect a leak, or if the smell persists and you still can't find anything, call your propane supplier promptly! Know where you shut-off valves are located and how to use them. Deep snow can easily cover a propane tank during winter. You should therefore mark its location with a tall pole or two, simply to ensure that you can easily find the thing. It is also important for safety that the regulator be kept clear of snow so that it can function properly. The copper line between the tank regulator and main pipe leading to the house is vulnerable to damage from the weight of ice and snow; it should be kept free of snow. And, you will want to maintain a cleared access path to the tank, not only so that it can be refilled by your supplier, but also so that any gas vapors can easily drift away rather than being trapped under the snow and becoming a safety hazard. By the way, many homes have a second propane regulator where the gas line enters the house. If so, it also must be kept clear of snow or ice.
Chimneys
Wood stoves and fireplaces leave a creosote residue on the inside of the chimney or flue pipe. There are various ways of reducing creosote buildup, and you should check the manufacturer's instructions for your stove or fireplace to determine how to best use the appliance. But creosote will still form over time. If you find that smoke comes out of the fireplace or stove and into the room when you add wood to the fire, even with the damper(s) and air intake(s) fully open, it may well be due to a partially clogged chimney. If that's the case, the chimney definitely needs to be cleaned. Carbon monoxide buildup or a chimney (flue) fire are both a concern with excessive creosote residue, and you don't
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