In the last six months, we have unfortunately had two fatalities from a gas explosion in Maine. The Maine Energy Marketers Association, whose members sell more than 90 percent of the propane in the state, is concerned about these incidents, and is emphasizing to consumers the importance of handling propane and any flammable gas safely.

Propane is a very popular fuel used by more than 1 million homes in New England for home heating, cooking, water heating, clothes dryers, fireplaces, pool heaters and backyard grilling. It is a versatile and safe fuel when handled properly. However, it’s important to have your propane equipment serviced regularly and to leave the technical work to licensed propane service technicians.

Consumers should never attempt to service or repair any propane leaks, or otherwise service propane equipment in their homes or vacation properties. This is a very serious matter, as attempts at “do-it-yourself ” repairs can result in an unnecessary loss of life. Equally as important, consumers should not skip regular equipment inspections and tune-ups.

The propane industry is dedicated to the safety of consumers. We need your help to ensure the safe and proper handling of propane so that it can serve its valuable role of enhancing lives as it provides comfort and convenience.

Propane has a distinct “rotten egg” smell so that consumers can be made aware of leaking gas before an incident occurs. Anyone in Maine and New England can receive free safety information from the Propane Gas Association of New England, including a scratch-andsniff card that allows you to smell the odor of propane. If you ever smell gas, don’t take chances: Extinguish all smoking materials and other open flames, leave the area immediately, shut off the propane tank serving the home, and call both your propane supplier and 911 from a neighbor’s home or other building away from the gas leak. Remain away from the building until help arrives.

We cannot emphasize enough that consumers should never tamper with their propane tanks or lines to the appliances in their home. Propane cylinders incorporate special components which keep them safe for use with grills and other propane appliances. An improperly connected tank or appliance can cause a gas leak. Licensed propane service technicians have the training to install, inspect, service, maintain and repair your propane system and appliances. MEMA has built a state-of-the art, hands-on training facility in Brunswick to train professional technicians.

Any consumer who has propane appliances or piping not installed by a licensed technician should contact a propane dealer for a safety inspection.

Propane is a clean burning fuel, but propane equipment and appliances require periodic maintenance. Follow manufacturers recommended schedules and be sure to use a licensed technician to do this work.

The cause of the tragic incident in Yarmouth remains under investigation and is not yet fully known. But it is important for all propane consumers to take this message to heart.

The propane industry has an entire website dedicated to safety, at www.propanesafety.com. If consumers have any questions, we encourage them to visit this website, the Propane Gas Association of New England site www.pgane.org, our website, www.maineenergymarketers.com or call their local supplier directly.

JAMIE PY is president and CEO of the Maine Energy Marketers Association, based in Brunswick.