In this stretch of below-freezing and sub-zero temperatures, many across the Valley are trying to stay warm at home.
But that task is becoming a struggle for some relying on propane - and on the provider, to refill their tanks before they run out.

That's the case for one Berlin Center family, who tells 21 News that they have been trying to schedule a propane refill delivery with Superior Propane (formerly Salem Propane) since November.

At the time they first reached out, Chrissy Jakubek says their tank was filled at 20%. But they kept being pushed off the delivery list in favor of "emergency situations," even after their tank ran out of fuel completely on January 20th.

"We had to borrow some electric heaters just to try and heat the downstairs of the house," Jakubek said. "We're worried about our pipes freezing."

Jakubek tells 21 News she and her family have had to move out of their home for the time being because they are not able to heat their home or water. 

21 News reached out to Superior Propane, but have not received a response.

Youngstown Propane weighed in on the situation, noting that they have seen an recent influx of customers and service requests.

"Our sales have probably been up anywhere from probably about 20 to 25 percent," owner and manager Jason Jones said.

Jones added that harsh weather conditions can cause households to use propane faster, and that service requests during extreme cold weather are more urgent.

Because some propane companies may only carry enough supply for their regular base of customers at their average rate, Jones says, not all may be able to handle an extra burden.

"A couple years ago there was a propane company that went [ ] bankrupt and went out of business, and it's left a big void as well that everyone is still trying to fill," he detailed.

Should anyone find themselves in a situation where they are without propane and are unable to reach their provider company, Jones recommends picking up a portable propane tank that is large enough to temporarily heat your home, and consider switching to a new provider or to electric heating.