1. Home
  2. Prepare Your Home
  3. Loss of Power
  4. Propane
Propane

Propane as Alternative Fuel for Emergencies

Propane gas is a fossil fuel derived from natural gas and petroleum deposits. It is a very dependable fuel source for heating and cooking and is widely used in “off-grid” areas as an alternative to natural gas and electricity. Propane can be used in one of two ways. Entire homes can be fueled with propane, or it can be stored away for use as an emergency fuel.

Whole home use

With propane, there is no direct line from your gas company to your home. The propane tank and the lines delivering the fuel are onsite and belong to the homeowner, not the city. The propane supplier fills the tank at the homeowner's request. If your home was not built with this infrastructure in place, there can be significant costs to installing propane systems, including new furnaces and appliances.

As emergency fuel storage

Propane is considered one of the best options for emergency fuel storage by many in the prepping community. It is relatively clean-burning and stores well over long periods, making it a popular choice. This is the use we will highlight here.

Equipment Using Propane

Patio grills and camping grills & stoves

Propane fueled backyard grills are extremely popular. There are many smaller portable grills on the market as well that utilize propane as their source of fuel. If you don't have an outdoor grill, investing in a smaller portable version can be a smart investment for emergency cooking.

Note: When cooking indoors with propane, use only appliances that are specifically designed and certified for indoor use, or a natural gas stove that has been properly converted for propane with adequate ventilation.

Portable Generators

A propane-fueled generator is an efficient temporary backup for when the electricity goes out. Always operate generators outdoors to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Portable Heaters

These are safe provided the heater has an automatic shut-off switch that monitors the oxygen level. If the oxygen dips too low, the automatic shutoff turns the heater off automatically.

How much do I need?
  • A small canister may last a couple of days for intermittent cooking; using one burner at lower settings, you might achieve four to five days of use.
  • 1-month supply (assuming 3 meals a day): approximately 2 standard BBQ grill tanks (roughly 35–40 pounds total), though actual needs may vary.
  • A 5-gallon container may provide up to 100 hours of cooking time for many users, though this is an estimate and depends on appliance efficiency.
Check these stores for availability. Home Improvement Stores
Superstores
Hardware Stores
Gas Stations
Home Delivery for large amounts
PROS
  • Widely available
  • Works reliably, burns relatively cleanly, and is generally safe when used properly
  • Smaller equipment that uses propane is convenient, small, portable, and easy to use
  • Stores well in different size containers from 1 to 1,000 lbs.
CONS
  • Propane itself is not toxic; however, improper combustion can produce carbon monoxide.
  • It is explosive and must be handled with extreme care.
  • It is a heavier fuel, which may limit its suitability for some emergency scenarios.
TIP

Outdoor barbecue grills can be used for cooking during emergencies, but to conserve your propane in emergencies, avoid using large grills and opt for a smaller camping stove when possible. As you use your supply, replenish it by rotating through your stock.

Use Requirements
  • DO NOT use propane fuel indoors unless using appliances specifically adapted and certified for indoor propane use (e.g., a converted natural gas stove with proper ventilation).
  • Be careful of your local laws because some locations only let you store so many containers of propane at any given time.
Storage Limitations

Propane stores indefinitely but due to its explosive nature, there are legal limits to the amount of storage allowed. Check with your local fire department for restrictions in your area.

Storage Conditions
  • Never store propane inside your home, in an attached garage or storage compartment.
  • Store propane outside and several feet away from your house.
  • Use only high-quality tanks, valves, and gaskets that are verified to be in good condition.
  • Ensure your container has proper seals to prevent leakage or evaporation.
  • Store out of direct sunlight.
  • Store in a cool, dry area, free from moisture.
  • Store in a well-ventilated area such as a storage shed or unattached garage or under an over-hang.
  • Store on a flat surface like a concrete slab.
  • Store the propane container upright.
  • Do not store the container near flammable materials or sources of ignition and avoid any actions (like smoking) that could create sparks.
Shelf Life
  • The shelf life is virtually indefinite if the tanks do not leak, or the valves do not become damaged.
  • Though propane has no known degradation, most containers have “use-by” dates. The containers must be recertified 12 years from that date and every 10 years after that.
  • Tanks and valves used to store and contain the propane are at risk of rust and corrosion. Keep an eye on the condition of your container(s) to extend the life of your propane. While virtually all tanks will suffer from some degree of leakage, high-quality tanks, and valves will reduce leakage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about using propane as emergency fuel.

  • Propane is a fossil fuel derived from natural gas and petroleum deposits. It is used in emergencies because it stores well long-term, is widely available, burns cleanly, and can fuel stoves, heaters, and generators.

  • Propane should not be used indoors unless the appliance is specifically certified for indoor use or properly converted for indoor use with ventilation. Using it improperly indoors can produce carbon monoxide.

  • A small canister may last a few days with light cooking. A 1-month supply of propane for cooking three meals a day typically requires about two standard BBQ grill tanks (roughly 35–40 pounds). A 5-gallon container can provide up to 100 hours of cooking time, depending on efficiency.

  • Common emergency equipment includes patio grills, portable camping stoves, propane generators, and portable heaters. These devices must be used with proper safety precautions, especially indoors.

  • Store propane tanks outside, away from homes and ignition sources, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Tanks should remain upright on a flat surface, out of direct sunlight, and must not be stored indoors or in attached garages.

  • Propane itself does not expire and has an indefinite shelf life if the tank and valves remain in good condition. However, propane tanks must be recertified 12 years after their manufacture date and every 10 years after that.