Propane, Oil Spill & Storm Preparedness Tips
At Phillips Energy, your safety is our top priority. That's why we've created this page to offer you the safety information you need to know. You'll find resources on:
If you have any safety concerns at all — about your fuel, your equipment or your home environment in general — or if you have a suggestion on how we might improve our safety procedures, please do not hesitate to call the office nearest you or contact us online.
IMPORTANT NOTE: IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911.
Our Employees Are Committed to Your Safety
- Our drivers and technicians are certified according to the strictest industry standards and are trained and continually updated with the most up to date system information.
- All our employees undergo strict background checks as part of our application process.
- We are certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a drug free workplace.
Propane Safety
Propane is a safe and reliable energy source that must be handled properly and with care, as with any energy source. Phillips Energy is committed to keeping you and your family safe while using propane in your home or business.
What do I do if I run out of propane?
- Call Phillips Energy IMMEDIATELY!
- If you are able, TURN OFF your propane tank!
- Phillips Energy, Inc. will respond with propane delivery and dispatch a certified technician to perform a REQUIRED leak test!
- Phillips Energy, Inc. will light ALL pilots. DO NOT attempt to light pilots yourself.
What do I do if I smell propane?
- Immediately put out smoking materials and other open flames.
- If possible, shut off all appliances and close all gas tank or cylinder supply valves.
- Do not turn lights on or off.
- Do not use any type of phone.
- Ventilate the area by opening windows and doors.
- Get everyone out and leave the area at once.
- Call your local fire department and your Phillips Energy certified propane service professional from a safe place such as your neighbor’s home.
- Vacate the area.
- Phillips Energy, Inc. will light ALL pilots. DO NOT attempt to light pilots yourself.
LINKS TO PROPANE SAFETY WEBSITES
Below you'll find some valuable resources about propane safety. Click on the links provided to better understand the benefits of safe, efficient and versatile propane.
Propane Questions and Answers
Is propane convenient to use? Is propane safe for my family and me? What should I do if there's a problem with a propane appliance? Get the answers to these and many more frequently asked questions by visiting the Propane Education and Research Council website.
Propane 101: Promoting Propane Safety through Understanding
The Propane 101 website is designed with one simple goal ... to educate consumers about propane so that they may better understand this valuable and efficient fuel.
Consumer Safety Outreach Here are consumer materials on the safe handling and use of propane from propanesafety.com.
Propane Grill Safety Firing up the gas grill? Read these important tips from the National Propane Gas Association.
Severe Weather Emergency and Preparedness
For helpful information to follow when a hurricane strikes, download these informative guides for families and seniors or visit:https://www.vaemergency.gov/prepare
Find additional information on how to plan and prepare for a hurricane by visiting the following resources:
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- NOAA Watch
- American Red Cross
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention
What happens if my propane tank is damaged?
If you are able to do so, turn your tank off. Contact Phillips Energy immediately so that we can dispatch a certified technician to assess the damage. If you suspect the tank may be leaking call the fire department immediately. Click here for more information
Be sure to bookmark your local emergency management web site for your locality.
What to Do in Case of an Oil Spill
Click here for helpful information from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality on how to report a petroleum release.
Click here for what to do should you experience an oil spill due to a hurricane.
Click here for Virginia DEQ information on how to respond to discharges from small heating oil tanks.
Click here for a Virginia heating oil tank fact sheet.
Storage Tank FAQs
A. Having a storage tank on your property has many benefits. A storage tank means having your own fuel, safely stored, and purchased at a great value.
Q. Are oil storage tanks safe?
A. Today's state-of-the-art tanks are composed of corrosion-resistant steel and fiberglass, and can last homeowners for many decades. This allows for exceptional safety. Many new heating oil tanks are installed below-ground using new, innovative technologies.
Q. What is the chance of my oil storage tank leaking?
A. According to a major national study, the chance of a leak from an underground oil tank is less than one-quarter of 1%.
The Virginia DEQ has stated that of the reported leaks, "often these heating oil tanks do not impact a receptor (e.g. drinking water well or stream) and have a minimal impact on the environment." In fact, the DEQ has revised the procedures for responding to discharges from small heating oil aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) and underground storage tanks (USTs) of 1,000-gallon capacity or less to allow for more flexibility at sites with a minimal impact on the environment.
Q. What is the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund?
A. While tank releases are extremely rare, Virginia provides FREE, automatic coverage for the clean-up costs of a leak or spill. Every oil tank in the Commonwealth of Virginia is protected under the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fund, a state-mandated program that is run by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Owners/operators can request reimbursement for up to $1 million per occurrence, for costs above the $500 deductible for residential clean-ups (higher for commercial incidents). Read more about the program by visiting the site here and reading this PDF.
