California, MD – A quick reaction and following proper procedures averted what potentially could have been a destructive occurrence Tuesday morning, Jan. 31 in St. Mary’s County. The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. at Boatel California Marina on the Patuxent River. According to St. Mary’s County dispatch, the call went out as a hazardous materials emergency.
Marina owner Jackie DeCersaris told TheBayNet.com that a line to the propane supply froze inside the marina’s building. Upon entering the building the smell of propane was detected and the building was evacuated. DeCersaris said she and her four employees initially attempted to close the line but were not successful. The propane vendor was contacted but did not immediately respond. That prompted DeCersaris to call 911, bringing fire, rescue and a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) crew to the scene. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office also dispatched personnel to the scene. The propane vendor eventually showed up to correct the problem.
“This is something that can happen,” said DeCersaris. “It’s a common winter event. It’s very important for every business owner and homeowner to make sure they know what to do.”
On its web site, Eastern Propane posted the measures to be taken in the event of a similar emergency. It helps if you have familiarized yourself with the smell of propane. Step one is to put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Additionally, do not operate electric switches, do not light matches and do not use your phone. “Any spark or flame in the area where propane gas is present may ignite the gas,” the site check list states. “This could include the spark of a light switch, telephone, fan or refrigerator motor, and even static electricity from walking across a room or flame from a burner, pilot light or cigarette lighter.” Step two is to immediately get everyone out of the building, vehicle, trailer or area where the leak has occurred. Step three is to close all gas tank or cylinder supply valves. Step four is to call a trained propane service person and the fire department (don’t use your landline to do this). Do not reenter the evacuated area until a trained service person or the fire department advises it is safe to return. Step five is to have the trained propane service person or firefighters check for escaped gas. Have them air out the area before you return. Step six is to have the trained service person repair the leak, pressure-check the system, turn on the gas appliances, check all the gas appliances and relight the pilots on the appliances. For the final step, reenter the area only when the trained service person or firefighters say it is safe.
DeCersaris she and her four employees are safe and no environmental problems were created by the frozen propane line.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
California, MD – At 8:35 a.m. crews were dispatched to North Patuxent Beach Road in the area of Patuxent Lane for a report of a ruptured gas tank.
