LP Gas • May 2025 • SAFETY SIGNALS

Nationwide, a top insurer of U.S. farms and ranches, has formed a new partnership with P3 Propane Safety aimed at reducing risks and increasing efficiencies for insurance customers in the propane distribution industry.

Through the collaboration, Nationwide’s agriculture customers will receive preferred pricing on a variety of risk management products and services provided by P3 Propane Safety, helping to improve safety and regulatory compliance while creating operational efficiencies that can help save money.

The partnership comes at a time when regulatory compliance is challenging many businesses. A recent Nationwide survey found that at least one in five commercial insurance customers feel their business is unprepared to respond to new regulations. Furthermore, rules and standards for propane distributors can vary significantly from one state to another, adding another layer of complexity.

Nationwide customers who work with P3 Propane can benefit from expert resources to help enhance their regulatory compliance and meet critical local and federal requirements and best practices in a more cost-effective way. Nationwide policyholders are eligible for preferred pricing on these services. “Nationwide is committed to providing our customers with the best tools and resources to ensure their safety and productivity,” says Laramie Sandquist, Nationwide’s risk management leader. “Our partnership with P3 Propane Safety is a testament to this commitment, offering innovative solutions that help fuel distributors navigate complex and lengthy regulations and reduce operational risks. No matter where you’re at with propane safety, P3 will work with you to prioritize areas of improvement and develop a more complete safety and compliance program.”

“Nationwide is a well-respected insurance provider within the propane industry whose core values align closely with ours,” says Jerry Schimmel, vice president of sales at P3 Propane Safety. “We look forward to working together to offer our mutual customers the high-quality care and attention that both P3 Propane Safety and Nationwide are known for.”

The partnership adds to a suite of risk management tools and capabilities available to Nationwide’s agriculture insurance customers at a preferred pricing rate, including services tailored for fuel distributors.

Customers interested in learning more about Nationwide’s new partnership with P3 Propane Safety can visit P3 Propane Safety’s website at p3propane.com/nationwide-insurance-partner.

Customers will be opening their cabins, many of which use propane as a fuel source, for the summer season soon.

This yearly milestone is something most of your customers look forward to all winter. Emphasize safety with them by sharing these four essential steps to safely opening a cabin for the season:

⦁ Make a plan: Before driving up to the cabin, know what needs to be done. This might include checking your boat registrations, installing a dock and reactivating your electricity and water services. If your cabin runs on propane, schedule a summer fill and have your propane provider inspect your system for leaks or damage. Taking a proactive approach to these tasks prevents accidents and ensures a fun summer ahead.

⦁ Visually inspect the property: When you arrive, your first step should be to visually assess the entire property. Look for damage from winter weather, like damaged deck boards or fallen trees, and pay special attention to your propane tank. The tank should be free of debris and have no damage. Identifying these issues early can help prevent potential fires or structural failures.

⦁ Inspect appliances: Regardless of fuel source, ensure appliances are operating properly. Verify that all standing pilot lights remain lit, and if not, turn off the valve at your tank and contact your propane provider.

⦁ Inspect detectors: Smoke, carbon monoxide and gas detectors are often overlooked in cabins. Replace the batteries, ensure operation and check the expiration dates of each detector.

And last but not least, don’t forget your 20-pound propane tank for the grill.

Bryan Wendt is the propane operations and safety manager at CHS Inc. He can be reached at 651-355-8546 or bryan.wendt@chsinc.com.