[skugelstadt]

Maybe I am paranoid, but I can't think of any place I feel comfortable storing propane. Garage is hotter than outside and the gas water heater pilot is on all the time so that seems like a bad idea. Indoors seems like a bad idea. Only other place is in South facing back yard. Ever hear of exploding tanks due to summer heat? I have a dozen small canisters and three 20 gallon tanks. Do you guys take any special precautions?

[SoHoVe]

Garage is a BAD idea...you are right. Tanks shouldn't explode outside...they have a pressure relief valve so while they may empty they shouldn't pose an explosion risk.

Propane is a heavy gas...when it leaks it stays near the ground. As you have considered any potential ignition source should be absolutely avoided.

[LuisSuarez]

According to propane tank manufacturer Blue Rhino, a propane tank should never be stored in a temperature of 125 degrees F or more

Read more: Regulations for Propane Tank Storage | eHow

[Raiderman]

Originally Posted by LuisSuarez

According to propane tank manufacturer Blue Rhino, a propane tank should never be stored in a temperature of 125 degrees F or more

Read more: Regulations for Propane Tank Storage | eHow

So out of the sun outdoors is fine it seems. Maybe side of the house? I'd find a way to cover it..

[BBMW]

Outside in the shade. I'd also say out of the rain and snow, but in Vegas, this isn't an issue.

[jadedlady]

I'm paranoid about it too. I want to get rid of the things and not use a gas grill. I only have 2 small ones and was thinking about putting them and my little cheapie portable gas grill on freecycle just to get rid of them. I want to buy one of the new electric (not gas) infared grills.

Amazon.com : Char-Broil TRU Infrared Electric Patio Bistro 180 Grill : Grill Parts : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : Char-Broil 12601578 Patio Bistro Tru-Infrared Electric Grill : Freestanding Grills : Patio, Lawn & Garden

NOTE: When looking at the second grill, the one with legs, the prices are different for different colors. Red is the least expensive.

[jadedlady]

Oh, another thought...call the local fire department and see what they say about storing the propane. Then post what they say. I'm interested to find out.

[lvoc]

Actually if they went off easily half the town would be gone. Even if left in too hot a spot they mostly just drain. If outside an in the shade it is practically impossible to have a problem. Just look at how they are stored at your local drug store or hardware store.

And they are actually a lot tougher than that. In my rounds I come across two and three of them sitting along side the house in direct sunlight. You know those babies are going well past 125.

So I would not worry. Just use normal common sense. Keep them out of direct sun and in the open.

As an aside one of the stranger things one would ever see was a good size boat at dockside bailing the boat of a propane leak. Apparently there alarm went off and they shut the boat down and then had the problem of the interiour of the boat being filled with propane. So what they did was bail it out. Bucket brigade style. Drop a bucket on a rope to the bilge and then pass it up and dump it over the side. Apparently worked as they did not blow up.

If you ever see a boat go from propane or gas fumes it is quite a sight. I have seen it twice...including one where everyone on board went flying through the air to splash down in the water. And actually no one was hurt except the boat was destroyed.

[skugelstadt]

Thanks everyone. I am less concerned now. I will keep them in the back yard.