Limited Edition Tank (Fall 2025)
When a severe storm hits, everything can change in a matter of minutes. Power lines go down, roads become impassable, and shelves at the grocery story empty fast. Even during times when the power stays on, low temperatures or high winds may require backup heat or another way to cook meals. Power outages can happen any time of year, especially when the electrical grid is under heavy demand or severe weather strikes. That’s why having a reliable energy source like propane can make all the difference. It’s also why we’re proud to support organizations like Operation BBQ Relief (OBR), which uses propane to bring hot meals and hope to disaster-affected communities.
With a solid storm prep plan and the right supplies, you can stay safe, comfortable, and connected even during the worst weather. Propane is a dependable fuel that’s easy to store and use. Plus, it’s powerful enough to keep your important appliances running when the grid goes dark. Blue Rhino is here to help as your propane partner, so that preparing for severe weather is as easy as picking up a fresh tank.
Why Severe Weather Preparation Matters
Storms can occur frequently throughout the country, and they’re often unpredictable. From snowstorms and hurricanes to summer heatwaves and intense wind, extreme weather is a year-round concern. Sometimes, the electrical grid can’t handle the increased demand during severe weather, which can lead to blackouts. This means your storm prep plan needs to go beyond flashlights and bottled water. Propane is one of the most versatile and reliable energy sources available. It works off the grid, can be stored safely for a long period of time, and powers a variety of appliances. When weather becomes uncertain, propane offers peace of mind.
How Blue Rhino Helps You Stay Ready
We’re here to make including propane in your emergency preparedness plan simple. Because after all, propane is more than just grilling fuel. It can power portable heaters, gas griddles, outdoor stoves, and even propane-powered generators, helping you keep warm, cook food, and stay comfortable when the power goes out. With thousands of Blue Rhino tank exchange locations across the country, grabbing a spare tank is easy so you can be stocked up before a storm hits. A little prep today means you can avoid the pre- and post-storm rushes and keep your family better protected.
The Power of Propane Generators
If your home loses power, a propane-powered generator becomes more than just a convenient appliance by providing essential backup electricity. Generators can keep your refrigerator running to preserve food and medication, power lights, phones, and internet routers to maintain communication and safety, and even run essential medical equipment like oxygen concentrators or CPAP machines. A generator can also help maintain basic comfort by powering space heaters or fans.
When it comes to selecting a generator, opting for one powered by propane, rather than diesel or gasoline, is the way to go. Propane doesn’t degrade over time like gasoline, so it’s ready when you need it. It also burns cleaner, producing fewer emissions so there is less carbon monoxide risk and engine wear. Propane is also safely stored and seals, since tanks are designed to be leak-proof and weather-resistant.
Generator Safety Tips
When using a propane-powered generator, safety and proper setup are essential. Always operate your generator outdoors and well away from doors, windows, vents, and never in an enclosed space.
Take time to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for startup, maintenance, and shutdown. Each generator model is a little different, and following the guidelines helps ensure both safe operation and long-term performance.
Finally, always store and use your propane tanks upright and away from heat sources or open flames. This helps maintain proper pressure inside the tank and reduces the risk of leaks or damage. With the right precautions in place, a propane generator can be a safe, reliable solution during power outages.
Smart Storm Prep Tips
Storms can move in fast, but a few simple actions will keep you a step ahead:
- Pick Up a Spare Tank: It’s better to have extra fuel than to run out when stores or closed or sold out.
- Stock Up on Food and Water: Canned and shelf-stable foods such as canned stews, soups, beans, meats, and vegetables are essential when it comes to weathering the storm. These all heat up beautifully on the grill or griddle.
- Gather Your Tools: Keep all your grilling and food prep essentials in one easy-to-grab bin so you're ready when the power goes out. Need a storm prep checklist? Start with these important items.
- Power Up with Propane Appliances: If your indoor heating is affected, patio heaters or propane fire pits offer a reliable way to stay warm and make your outdoor space a safe, usable area for gathering or cooking.
- Safety First: Never use propane appliances indoors or in a garage and never store or use a propane tank indoors. Consider securing your tanks against high winds. Use a bungee cord or rope to anchor the tank, but make sure it remains upright, in a well-ventilated area, and away from any potential sources of ignition.
For a complete disaster prep checklist, visit Ready.gov.
Recovery with Operation BBQ Relief
Being storm-ready isn’t just about what happens before and during the storm, it’s also about what happens after.
We’re proud to partner with Operation BBQ Relief, an incredible charity that delivers fresh, hot barbecue to communities affected by natural disasters. Their disaster response team is always ready to serve, and we are proud to power their efforts by supplying the propane that fuels their grills and smokers reliably and safely when it is needed most.
OBR’s team of dedicated volunteers, many of whom are competitive pitmasters, chefs, and barbecue enthusiasts, work tirelessly to serve thousands of meals daily. Whether it’s for first responders working around the clock, families displaced from their homes, or entire communities struggling to rebuild, these meals bring comfort, hope, and a sense of normalcy to those who have lost so much.
Published: 2025.07.14