Emergency Information
If you are a Texas Community Propane customer and have an emergency or questions regarding a gas odor, please contact the Fire Department immediately and then call Texas Community Propane, Ltd. We will dispatch a technician to turn the shutoff valve off at the gas meter.
1-877-635-5427 or 1-87-SMELLGAS
You can notify Texas Community Propane, LTD. Of an emergency by calling the numbers listed above. This number is answered 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Alternatively, you can also contact us during normal business hours at 512-272-5503.
If you smell gas or your gas detection alarm sounds,
IMMEDIATELY follow these suggestions:
DO…
- Get everyone outside and away from the house.
- Call the Fire Department from a neighbor’s phone or cell phone outside the house a safe distance away.
- Call TCP to send a technician to turn the shutoff valve off at the meter.
- Stay outside until the leak has been found and fixed.
- Contact TCP to restore gas service.
DO NOT…
- Do anything that could create a spark
- Turn anything “on” or “off”
- Try to locate the leak your self
If you smell gas outdoors (not inside) or you notice that a gas pipeline has been cut or damaged, contact the gas company to report the situation and stay away from the area where the gas smell exists. A gas company representative will be dispatched to the area to evaluate the situation.
USE YOUR SENSES TO RECOGNIZE A SUSPECTED LEAK
A propane leak can usually be detected by using your natural senses:
SIGHT
Propane gas can accumulate in a dense fog, mist, or white cloud. If you see a dense fog, mist, white cloud, it may be the presence of propane gas. Propane gas can also discolor or kill vegetation. If you see unexplained discolored or dead vegetation, there may be a propane leak in the soil. Also, if you see bubbling in surface water, this may also be a sign of the presence of propane gas bubbling up from a leaking gas pipe. Finally, if you notice any unusual or suspicious activities taking place within or near pipelines or pipeline facilities, including propane tank sites, report this activity to us and to your local law enforcement officials.
SMELL
Propane is naturally odorless; however, an odorant has been added to propane in order to give it the odor of rotten eggs. This odor makes the presence of propane gas detectable by your sense of smell. If you smell an unidentifiable “rotten egg” smell, you may be smelling propane gas.
SOUND
Propane gas is pressurized when it is in the gas mains or pipes. When propane escapes from the pipes through a leak it often causes a hissing, whistling or roaring noise. Hearing an unidentified hissing, whistling or roaring noise can alert you to a possible gas leak.