The Maine Emergency Management Agency will meet with county officials Wednesday and warn them of the statewide propane shortage, but the agency said it is not aware of any emergencies related to the shortage.

“Here at the state we are not aware of a widespread problem with families,” said Lynette Miller, spokeswoman for MEMA.

MEMA said the current propane shortage seems to be more a matter of “belt-tightening” than emergency preparedness. Miller referred to the list of recommendations put forth by Gov. John Baldacci on Monday, which included lowering home thermostat temperatures and taking shorter showers.

“Our experience in these kinds of situations is that there’s not much need for sheltering, but we wanted county and local officials to be aware that there was a problem so that if there were folks they were concerned about … they’d be able to respond,” Miller said.

New deliveries of propane came to Maine by both rail and truck on Tuesday. Propane has been scarce since Feb. 10, when a Canadian National Railway strike began.

Miller recommended that families call their propane provider if they notice their supply getting low. If a family runs out of propane, Miller said, it should notify its local town office and seek temporary shelter with friends or relatives until the tank is refilled.

If no friends or family are available, families should call their police department or the American Red Cross. Red Cross offices throughout the state have been notified of the shortage in case problems arise and escalate, Miller said.

Authorities are unable to provide propane, but they can help families find shelter.

“We hope every family has their own emergency plan and where there might turn in an emergency,” she said.