Sikeston officials warn propane gas users to watch for leaks

SIKESTON, Mo. (KFVS) - An explosion at a Wyatt, Mo. home from a propane leak is catching the attention of officials in Sikeston. Leaders are offering safety tips to users, to help avoid a deadly spark in homes.

“It’s a very volatile fuel that is very flammable and corrosive,” Sikeston Department of Public Safety (DPS) Information Officer Tyler Rowe said.

Rowe is talking about propane gas, the same fuel that sparked this explosion at a Wyatt house Monday.

“If you’re not paying attention to it, if you are not servicing your system, not getting new tanks, it can cause small leaks and over time cause an explosion,” Rowe said.

Authorities are still trying to discover the source of the leak in the Wyatt house explosion, which has now claimed two lives.

Rowe said if a leak is near even a tiny spark it can cause a huge disaster.

Here are a few things he recommends:

• Keep your nose open for a rotten egg smell, this indicates a nearby leak.
• Check your tank after severe weather for any damage or tears.
• Keep a detector handy

“You can buy propane detectors. They plug into your wall, you can also buy CO detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, they will both go off if there is a high level in the house,” Rowe said.

Whether you decide to use propane for your home, to grill, or travel, Rowe’s biggest tip is to keep it outside.

“It’s not safe to use propane inside of a residence... that tank needs to stay outside, and you need to make sure you are keeping it serviced,” Rowe said.

If you notice a leak in your home or inside any building to leave immediately and call your local fire department.

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