Through most of his working life, steelworker Ray West looked toward a secure retirement.

His company pension was expected to bring in around $30,000 a year, his union contract promised retiree health coverage and he had 401(k) savings of about $50,000.

Three years ago, it unraveled. His company filed for bankruptcy. The collapse reduced his expected pension to around $5,000 a year and canceled his retiree health insurance. And, in three years of unemployment since then, West of Hazel Park blew through the entire $50,000 in his 401(k) just getting by as he trained for a new career.

Michigan’s propane industry is a safe industry, however, accidents can happen. That is why the Michigan Propane Gas Association (MPGA) created the Propane Emergency Response Network (PERN). PERN takes out the guesswork of handling a propane emergency in your area.

The MPGA teamed up with first responders and law enforcement officers to provide immediate expertise on handling propane emergencies, in addition to working under the authority of the incident commander. PERN supports firefighters, state police, local sheriffs, and Hazmat officials.

Here’s how to activate PERN.