After the Hurricane: Propane Tank Safety Checklist
Florida hurricanes are tough on propane cylinders: high winds, falling debris, flooding, and sometimes flying tanks. Before you reconnect anything, walk through this safety checklist.
Address: 7214 Taft St, Hollywood, FL 33024
Key Takeaway
After a hurricane: visually inspect every cylinder for dents, gouges, rust, or valve damage. Test for leaks with soapy water at every connection. If any cylinder was submerged, struck by debris, or shows damage, do not use it — bring it to a propane professional for inspection. Propane Refill Station in Hollywood, FL can inspect, recertify, or replace damaged tanks. Call (954) 966-1763.
What should I check on my propane tanks after a hurricane?
Before reconnecting any cylinder to any appliance, visually inspect:
- Tank body: Dents, gouges, deep scratches, signs of impact damage
- Foot ring and collar: Bends, cracks, or anything that prevents the tank from standing upright
- Valve: Bent stem, damaged handle, signs of corrosion
- OPD (Overfill Prevention Device): Should still rotate smoothly
- Date stamp: Still readable? When was the last recertification?
Any damage that affects the tank's structural integrity = do not use. Period.
How do I test for a propane leak after a storm?
Standard soapy-water test:
- Mix dish soap and water (50/50)
- Open the cylinder valve slowly
- Brush or spray the soapy water on every connection (valve, regulator, hose fittings)
- Watch for bubbles forming
- Bubbles = leak = close the valve immediately
Never test for leaks with a flame or a lighter. The soapy water method is the only safe DIY test.
My propane tank was submerged in flood water. Is it safe?
Maybe. A briefly submerged DOT cylinder might be fine if water didn't enter the valve. A cylinder that was submerged for hours, especially in salt water, may have internal corrosion that's invisible from outside. Bring it to a propane professional for inspection before reconnecting.
Built-in motorhome ASME tanks that took water need professional inspection from an RV / propane technician.
A tank rolled / flew across my yard. Is it still safe?
Probably not without inspection. Tanks that fell, rolled, or were struck by debris may have:
- A damaged valve that no longer seals properly
- Cracks in the foot ring
- Internal damage that's not visible
Don't connect it to an appliance. Bring it in for inspection.
My BBQ regulator looks damaged. Should I replace it?
Yes. Regulators are cheap and easy to replace; a damaged regulator is a fire risk. If yours took impact, is cracked, or has a bent inlet, replace it before reconnecting. Pick one up at any hardware store or check with us.
If I smell propane after the storm
Same protocol as anytime you smell propane:
- Evacuate immediately
- Don't use any electrical switches, lighters, or anything that could spark
- If safe, close the cylinder valve
- Call your fire department
- Don't reconnect until a propane professional inspects the system
Where can I get my propane tanks inspected after a hurricane in South Florida?
Bring damaged or questionable cylinders to Propane Refill Station at 7214 Taft St, Hollywood, FL 33024. We inspect every tank during refill and can recertify or replace cylinders that fail. Serving Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Cooper City, Davie, and South Broward. Call (954) 966-1763.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check on my propane tanks after a hurricane?
Tank body (dents, gouges), foot ring and collar (cracks, bends), valve (bent stem, corrosion), OPD (rotates smoothly), and date stamp (readable, current recertification). Any structural damage = do not use.
How do I test for a propane leak at home?
Soapy water test only. Mix dish soap and water, open the cylinder valve, brush the solution on every connection. Bubbles = leak = close valve immediately. Never test with a flame.
My propane tank was submerged in flood water — is it still safe?
Maybe. Briefly submerged tanks may be fine if water didn't enter the valve. Tanks submerged for hours, especially in salt water, may have hidden internal corrosion. Get it professionally inspected before use.
My propane tank rolled across the yard during the storm. Should I use it?
Not without inspection. Tanks that fell or were struck by debris may have damaged valves, cracked foot rings, or internal damage not visible from outside. Bring it in for inspection.
What do I do if I smell propane after a hurricane?
Evacuate immediately. Don't use electrical switches or anything that could spark. Close cylinder valve if safe. Call your fire department. Get professional inspection before reconnecting.
Where can I get my propane tanks inspected after a hurricane in South Florida?
Propane Refill Station at 7214 Taft St in Hollywood, FL inspects every tank during refill. We can recertify or replace cylinders that fail safety inspection. Call 954-966-1763.
Stop by Propane Refill Station
7214 Taft St, Hollywood, FL 33024 · Drive up — no appointment needed.
Last updated: May 19, 2026