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Can Propane Tanks Explode - and How to Minimize Fire Risks
Propane tanks are a high-risk fuel that many homeowners have and use whether for fire pits, grills, or other needs, and they can explode if not properly taken care of when in use. Your home insurance may offer some financial help overcoming losses associated with propane tank explosions or damage, but only if the damage is accidental. It is best to avoid this type of risk in the first place, but if there is a fire, home insurance may be there to help you with the financial loss. Here’s what you should know.
What Homeowners Insurance Wants You to Know About Propane Tanks and Risks
Homeowners insurance is designed to provide protection for homeowners when risks such as fires occur. Yet, your insurer hopes to minimize these risks as well. Many of these risks, such as propane tank explosions are high risk, often resulting in the loss of life, long-term medical concerns, and significant damage to homes. Yet, there is help available from insurance policies.
Propane tanks can explode. Though newer models may not, extreme weather conditions, punctures to them, or severe force can cause them to explode. Because they contain a highly flammable fuel, they are also likely to cause significant damage if they catch on fire. If the propane tank is not operated properly, it can create a strong risk for fires, explosions, and gas leaks.
To avoid this, follow all of the manufacturer’s warnings and recommendations for use. It is also a good idea to work with your home insurance company about these risks. Your insurer needs to know what types of risks are present at your home. While they may not need to know much about gas grills, they should know about other high-risk features on your property that could put your home at an increased risk of fire. Here are some key points to consider.
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Will Home Insurance Cover a Propane Fire Pit?
A propane fire pit as well as the propane fire pit table styles available today are highly risky. Because these are designed to create fire, they can easily allow the fire to spread. If you elect to build a fire pit of any type at your home, it is very important for you to do so according to local building codes, the manufacturer’s recommendations, and with the approval of the local fire marshal. In short, know your area’s laws about fire pits like this. With a propane fire pit, there may be an increased risk of explosion if these are not managed properly. That is a risk you do not want to take.
Will Home Insurance Cover a Propane Fireplace or Wood-Burning Fireplace?
New styles of fireplaces are also becoming popular. For example, a propane fireplace may be something you want to add to your home if this source of fuel is readily available to you. Even if you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace, it is beneficial to have these mentioned in your home insurance policy. The policy should note how many and what type of fireplace you have. Your agent may want to know if it has been inspected to be sure it is safe to use. Most importantly, be sure to minimize the risk of fire with proper maintenance and upkeep for these fireplaces.
Will Property Insurance Cover Damage from a Grill Fire?
Still, the most common area for propane tanks in the home comes from the grill. Having a grill is common, but it is important for you to have a reliable grill that is designed and maintained to be safe. If you have a fire from a grill, it can cause damage to your home along with your decks or other surfaces nearby. Your property insurance is likely to cover this damage as long as it was not due to normal wear and tear or poor maintenance on your grill. This type of fire can be very damaging, which is why it is so important for you to have a properly maintained grill at all times.
Insurance and House Fires – What Your Coverage Provides
It’s important to know about your property insurance and house fires. When it comes to insurance house fires are a common type of claim. Generally, the policy pays for cleanup of the damage debris. It will also pay for damage and cleanup from water and smoke damage as a result of the fire. Most of the time, your policy will then cover the repairs associated with the fire, to get your home back to the condition it was in prior to the fire.
Propane tanks may be safe to use if you follow the right directions and maintain them properly. Yet, having home insurance coverage to protect you is also very important.
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