When your propane gas tank runs out of fuel due to all that grilling this summer and you need to refill or exchange it, there are do’s and don’ts in order to stay safe.

Perry Volunteer Fire Department Chief Chris Hinds says having the tanks inside your vehicle can be very dangerous.

“On a hot summer day, the heat builds up and the pressure builds up inside these tanks and they will actually start releasing their gas and venting in order to stop from exploding themselves and that can be very deadly.  You can walk out and get in your car right after one has vented in the trunk or the backseat and not think anything about it, and you’re in there amongst very, very, very flammable gas.”

Hinds recommends transporting the tanks in the bed of a pickup or something similar if possible, and always make sure they are in an upright position.