Even with the recent warmer weather in St. Lawrence County, everyone knows it can’t last long.

The New York Propane Gas Association (NYPGA) wants North Country people to know there are a number of steps residents can take to heat their homes using propane while staying safe.

Make sure to have an adequate propane supply, NYPGA says. During and after a winter storm, roads may be inaccessible for delivery. They suggest that that people establish a regular delivery schedule with a propane retailer.

Make sure a heating system and appliances are running efficiently. Have a qualified service technician annually inspect and service appliances and propane systems. This will ensure that appliances are running as efficiently as possible, NYPGA says.

Mark the tank’s location with a flag, pole, or stake. The marker should be higher than the average snow cover depth. It will help avoid plowing or shoveling rooftop snow on top of a tank. Should a tank become covered with snow, use a broom to clear it, NYPGA says.

Check chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors and propane tank for damage, blockage or debris caused by snow and ice. Use a broom rather than a shovel, and clear these areas frequently. This will help reduce the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning from to blocked or damaged chimneys, flues and vents, NYPGA says.

Use extreme caution when operating portable generators. Never use a portable generator (gasoline, diesel, or propane) indoors or in enclosed areas. This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death, NYPGA says.

Never use a stove for space heating and never use outdoor propane appliances indoors or in enclosed areas. Proper ventilation is necessary for their safe operation, and carbon monoxide fumes emitted can be lethal. Only use appliances indoors that are designed and approved for indoor use, NYPGA suggests.

NYPGA says there are steps people can take to insulate their house to heat efficiently. Check caulking around doors and windows. Get storm windows in place and secure. Check insulation in the attic and basements. Seal air leaks around openings where plumbing or electrical wiring goes through walls, floors and ceilings, NYPGA says.

NYPGA says people who use propane should take immediate action if they smell gas inside or outside.

They say no flames or sparks. Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate or turn on or off lights, appliances, telephones or cell phones.

Leave the area immediately. Get everyone out of the building or area where the gas leak is suspected, NYPGA says.

Shut off the gas. Turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank, if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).

Report the leak. From a neighbor’s home or other building away from the gas leak, call one’s propane retailer right away. If unable to reach a propane retailer, call 911 or a local fire department.

Do not return to the building or area until your propane retailer, emergency responder, or qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so, NYPGA says.

Get systems checked. Before attempting to use any propane appliances, a propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check the entire system to ensure that it is leak-free, NYPGA says.

The New York Propane Gas Association also offers an online safety module for winter preparedness at www.propanesafety.com/winterstorm-preparedness.

Propane users can find more safety tips at www.nypropane.com and www.propanecomfort.com.