The first thing you do is look for a round dial that looks like a speedometer with the numbers 0 to 95 on it. This is the propane tank gauge, and it will be on or near the top of your propane tank. Check out the photo above for an example of what it looks like.

 

The numbers on the gauge indicate the percentage of how much your tank is filled, not the number of gallons of propane in the tank.

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Something you may not know is that propane tanks are never filled to 100 percent of its capacity. They are filled to 80 percent for aboveground tanks and 85 percent for underground tanks. The remaining empty space in the tank is there to allow for propane gas to safely expand as temperatures change. For example, if you have a 320-gallon propane tank, it will only be filled to around 256 gallons of propane. This is commonly called the 80/20 rule.

When it comes to gas appliances, safety is a top priority. If you smell gas in your home, follow these steps:

1. NO FLAMES OR SPARKS. Immediately put out all smoking materials and other open flames. Do not operate lights, appliances, telephones, or cell phones. Flames or sparks from these sources can trigger an explosion or a fire.

2. LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY. Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.

3. 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).

4. REPORT THE LEAK. From a neighbor’s home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you can’t reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.

5. 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.

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*Information cited from propane.com