Every Family Should Know These 10 Gas Stove Safety Tips

Many people prefer gas stoves to electric stoves because they heat up faster and offer better temperature control. You may also cool the burner considerably faster by just shutting off the flame. With all of those advantages, there are certain gas stove safety recommendations that everyone should be aware of.

1. Allow the Burner to Run Without Ignition
When you turn on a burner, the gas does not always ignite immediately. While you wait for the flame, you may hear a clicking sound. The longer the burner is left on without a flame, the more gas might leak into the air. If the burner does not light immediately, you can take certain actions to clean or fix the igniter.

2. Maintain the cleanliness of the stove.
It is important to clean your stove on a regular basis to avoid obstructions in the burner. This includes removing the burners and scrubbing them with soapy water. If food debris or grease has clogged the burner’s openings, use a toothpick or other sharp instrument to clean it out.

3. Carbon Monoxide monitoring
A gas stove emits colorless and odorless carbon monoxide. You won’t know if the carbon monoxide level in your house is too high unless you have a carbon monoxide detector. Install a carbon monoxide detector in the kitchen to be notified immediately if there is a problem.

4. Make use of a Range Hood
A range hood that vents outdoors will aid in the removal of any hazardous fumes. It’s preferable to leave the range hood on when cooking.

5. Maintain Clear Vent Holes
Do not cover the vent apertures at the bottom of the oven with foil or obstruct the air vent holes. The unit must be kept clean so that gasses do not back up into the house and instead exit directly outside.

6. Preserve the Range
If the range begins to malfunction, have it serviced as soon as possible. Some things to keep an eye out for are:

The flames of the burner are not blue.
Soot is produced by the burners or pilot.
If your carbon monoxide monitor detects elevated amounts of CO,
If you smell gas, exit the house immediately and contact the gas company.

7. Put in a fire extinguisher.

A fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen can be a lifeline if something catches fire from the burner.

8. Never heat the kitchen by opening the oven door.
Opening the oven door interrupts the airflow pattern, resulting in excessive levels of carbon monoxide. Aside from allowing carbon monoxide into your house, an open door can also melt or harm the control knobs.

9. Make use of an Air Quality Monitor
An air quality monitor, like a carbon monoxide detector, detects carbon monoxide levels as well as other pollutants such as radon, particulate matter, airborne dust, mold, and mildew. It will notify you if any of the values are too high.

10. Keep combustible materials away from the stove.
A gas stove burner’s flame may burn items in close proximity to it. Plastic or wood utensils, fabric pot holders, wrappings, and towels should all be kept away from the stove when cooking.
It’s also a good idea to keep objects off of the burners that aren’t in use.