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Natural disasters continue to dominate news headlines. North and South Carolina recently issued fire warnings as more than 200 severe wildfires threatened thousands of acres. Unfortunately, such disasters are not anomalies in the region. Last year, Hurricane Helene battered western North Carolina for three consecutive days, causing swift and severe destruction—flooding homes, downing power lines, and cutting off entire communities from essential services.
Aftermath of Hurricane Helene near Biltmore Village in Asheville, NC
Emergency responders faced a dilemma: they urgently needed to restore power and secure fuel for heating, cooking, and medical equipment, but gasoline and diesel spills posed additional risks to an already fragile environment. Fortunately, propane-powered generators quickly and safely saved the day.
Reagan File Bonnette of Stringer Oil & LP Gas in Anderson, SC, saw firsthand how propane became a lifeline for a community leader, Manuel “Manny” Zavala of Newland, North Carolina, after Hurricane Helene.
“I connected with a gentleman there who had taken on the role of trying to help his small town by himself,” said Bonnette. “His kerosene tank had been washed away, and we all knew that nobody would set him up with another one that was high in the mountains. The cost of replacing the tank made it impossible.”
Understanding Zavala’s role in the community, Bonnette decided to step in with the help of a North Carolina-based propane installer. “Donating and installing a propane tank for him meant giving him a lifeline to continue helping. Protecting him meant protecting his community. She continued, “They had little to no help up there. So, as a small, independent group, we had to figure out how to help. He became the leader his community needed, and propane helped him continue that role.”
Reagan Bonnette with Manny Zavala of Newland, North Carolina. (Photo: Stringer Oil & LP Gas Co.)
Bonnette and other propane industry volunteer groups continued to offer support to communities for months after Helene struck, storing and distributing propane cylinders, gauges, and heaters to hard-to-reach residents. Volunteers searched for people still living in tents, ensuring they had access to heat. All the while, propane companies big and small worked tirelessly to restore service to customers and rebuild critical infrastructure.
In just 5 days after Hurricane Helen devastated the Asheville area, A team from AmeriGas was able to coordinate the purchase, filling, and distribution of more than 1,300 propane cylinders to reach difficult-to-access areas of the community. (Photo: AmeriGas)
Propane For Disaster Response
Propane is increasingly used for power, temporary heat, and cooking in disaster response—from California wildfires to Southeast hurricanes to severe Midwestern winter storms. Propane is low in carbon and harmful emissions, stores safely, and significantly reduces the risk of spills during transport, ground seepage, and water contamination, making it an environmentally responsible choice, especially in climate-related disasters.
Perhaps propane’s most critical advantage is its independence from traditional electric grids.
When hurricanes, tornadoes, and other catastrophes strike, the grid is prone to failure, affecting every aspect of survival. Propane generators seamlessly power backup systems, cooking appliances, water heaters, and space heaters when energy is needed most. Emergency teams also rely on propane-powered lighting and heating in disaster zones.
Access to clean, reliable energy during and after a disaster is vital for emergency response vehicles, mobile medical units, hospitals, and temporary housing. Propane also serves as a safety net at home. In regions with harsh winters, propane-fueled heating ensures warmth, functional stoves, and hot water—even when the grid is down—making it possible for families to remain in their homes.
Businesses also benefit. Restaurants can prevent food spoilage, retailers can maintain security, and manufacturers can stay operational. Investing in propane power provides serious financial protection during extended outages.
Real-World Disasters, Real-World Solutions
Hurricane-prone states like Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina have recognized the value of propane to ensure reliable and resilient power for communities. Thousands of homeowners have chosen to remain in their communities thanks to propane power. At the same time, local governments use propane-fueled water pumps to clear streets and restore streetlights.
California is also adapting. The state’s devastating wildfires have highlighted the need for a resilient energy solution independent of power lines, which become potential causes of fire during high-wind events. Propane-fueled firefighting equipment has successfully helped contain wildfires, and its clean emissions profile does not worsen the air quality issues that often accompany these disasters.
Propane has also been crucial during winter storms. In 2021, Texas faced a historic freeze that left millions without power for days, but those with propane heating remained functional. This was another stark reminder that propane preparedness should be synonymous with disaster preparedness.
Propane Preparedness
Propane use varies by region, and best practices vary by environment. In flood-prone areas, tanks should be securely anchored to prevent displacement. In wildfire-prone regions, they should be placed in a defensible space and away from flammable materials.
Community education is key. Homeowners should be informed about propane’s advantages and trained in tank maintenance, emergency protocols, and regular safety inspections, including leak detection, ventilation checks, and shut-off valve functionality.
Propane preparedness and use isn’t just a good idea—it’s urgent for local governments, emergency response teams, businesses, and homeowners. Natural disasters rarely provide ample warning, and their devastation can be sudden and unpredictable. In times of crisis, propane’s ability to safely keep the lights on, heat running, food cooking, and communication intact is a lifeline for communities.
