Millions of Americans use propane every day. It’s a great energy source that burns cleanly and efficiently, giving consumers more value for their energy dollar.

During the summer months, propane tanks are in high demand for barbecues, outdoor heating lamps, air conditioners and more. We equate these gatherings with a time to relax and have fun with friends and family - rarely do we think about the real dangers these tanks pose.

The reality is these tanks are full of pressurized gas. A small ignition source is all that’s needed to transform a nice, calm gathering into a dangerous inferno.

Every year we get reports of house fires, severe injuries, and deaths caused by propane explosions. Today we want to address the dangers of propane tanks and how people can protect themselves.

When a propane tank explodes, there can be several reasons, including product malfunction or negligence on behalf of the gas company responsible for filling the tank. Below we’ve included a few incidents that highlight different circumstances:

• A Kentucky couple suffered serious burns after their house exploded. Investigators believe a propane gas buildup under the couple's home caused the explosion. Family members of the couple reported that the propane tank was recently filled. One of the victims had burns covering more than 40 percent of her body.

• An Oregon man suffered severe injuries while trying to light the propane stove in a recreational vehicle. The force of the blast sent windows flying approximately 30 feet and resulted in second-degree burns to the man's face. 

• Two people suffered injuries and a hotel was damaged after a propane explosion. The explosion occurred while a gas company employee was filling the hotel's underground propane tank. Investigators believe the truck used to fill the propane tank had a mechanical problem, which caused the explosion.

When the cause of an incident is negligent behavior by a gas company or a faulty product, victims can pursue justice to pay for medical bills and to see to it that the companies change their practices, so others don’t have to suffer similar fates.

There are many cases citing overfilled tanks which result in explosions inside a home. Yet, manufacturers are required to add an odor to propane, making it easier to identify a leak. Propane is supposed to smell like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray or a dead animal. When manufacturers sometimes they fail to, or are careless in other ways, they endanger consumers.

We invite your thoughts and comments on propane tanks.