Tri-County Co-op

Propane Safety Tips to Keep Your Home and Farm Warm All Winter

🏠 1. Start with a System Check

Routine maintenance is your first line of defense for safety and efficiency. Schedule a preseason inspection with a qualified propane technician to ensure everything is operating properly.

✅ Homeowners: Have your furnace, water heater, and appliances checked for clean, steady flames and proper ventilation.
🚜 Farmers and Livestock Producers: Inspect all barn and confinement building heaters, regulators, and lines for damage or wear. Consistent, safe heat is critical for livestock well-being.

Pro Tip: A fall inspection helps prevent mid-winter emergencies when service calls are hardest to schedule.

👃 2. Know the Smell — “Rotten Eggs”

Propane is naturally odorless, but an odorant is added so you can detect leaks quickly. If you ever smell a strong “rotten egg” or skunk-like odor, take action immediately:

  1. Extinguish open flames and leave the area.

  2. Avoid switches, phones, or equipment that could spark.

  3. Shut off the main gas valve if you can do so safely.

  4. Call your propane supplier or 911 from a safe location.

Never re-enter the building until it’s cleared by a qualified technician.

❄️ 3. Plan Ahead for Winter Deliveries

Help our delivery drivers serve you safely and efficiently all season long:

  • Mark your tank location with a stake or flag that’s visible above snowdrifts.

  • Clear snow and ice from driveways and tank areas before your scheduled delivery.

  • Keep your tank above 20% to avoid runouts — call early when the gauge drops near that level.

  • Keep regulators, valves, and vents clear for proper system operation.

Reminder: A little planning now can prevent delays when weather conditions get tough.

🧯 4. Handle and Store Propane Safely

  • Store all cylinders upright and outdoors, away from enclosed spaces.

  • Never store propane tanks inside homes, garages, or sheds.

  • When transporting, secure cylinders upright and avoid leaving them in enclosed vehicles.

  • Keep flammable materials and debris clear of tanks and equipment.

🧑‍🌾 5. Safety on the Farm

For many TriCounty members, propane keeps the heart of the operation running — from livestock heat to shop heating systems.

  • Inspect heaters and brooders for dust buildup or corrosion before use.

  • Ensure fans and vents are clean to maintain safe airflow.

  • Develop a backup heating plan in case of power outages or road closures.

  • Train all workers to recognize gas leaks and respond appropriately.

Farm Tip: Proper ventilation and equipment maintenance not only keep animals safe but also improve fuel efficiency.

💡 6. Stay Prepared and Informed

  • Test carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries regularly.

  • Post emergency contact numbers near phones and building entrances.

  • Make sure family members and employees know how to turn off the main propane supply valve safely.

🌾 Stay Warm, Stay Safe with TriCounty Cooperative

At TriCounty Cooperative, your safety is our priority. Propane provides efficient, dependable energy for rural homes and farms — and with a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a safe, worry-free winter season.

👉 Need a fill, inspection, or safety check?
Contact your local TriCounty Propane team today to schedule service or delivery.

We’re proud to fuel the families and farms that keep our communities strong — safely, reliably, and locally.

Get in touch

Call us

(320) 324-7151

Our Location

101 MN-28 Chokio, MN 56221

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Tri-County Co-op

101 MN-28
Chokio, MN, 56221

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Propane

A clean, efficient energy solution

🔥 Save More with Propane from Tri County Co-op!

Clean • Efficient • Delivered in Bulk

Looking for an affordable, reliable energy source? Propane is a clean-burning fuel ideal for heating, cooking, hot water, and backup power—perfect for rural homes, farms, and small businesses.

💡 Why Choose Propane?

  • Lower emissions than oil or gasoline

  • Highly efficient energy source

  • Works during power outages

  • Safe and versatile—use it indoors and out!

🚚 We Deliver – In Bulk!
As a member of our oil co-op, you get competitive pricing on bulk propane deliveries—straight to your tank, when you need it. No middlemen, no hassle.

👥 Member-Owned, Community-Focused
Your energy dollars stay local, supporting neighbors and building energy independence for our region.

✅ Ready to Make the Switch or Refill?

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Lubricants

Cenex lubricants deliver superior protection and performance for engines and equipment. Formulated with advanced additives, they help reduce wear and extend equipment life.

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Tri County Co-op has DEF available at the pump for quick, convenient access. Save time and stay compliant by filling up your diesel equipment or vehicles right here.

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