Gas Range Safety
- Wearing appropriate clothing is imperative when working with a gas stove. Loose clothing such as long sleeves, neckties and scarves can catch on fire and cause severe burns if they come in contact with the open flame. When cooking on a gas stove, wear shorter or rolled-up sleeves and make sure that you are free of any loose items of clothing.
- The kitchen can be a bustling place when preparing food for your family. Since gas stoves work with many open flames, it is paramount to make the kitchen a child safety zone. The United States Fire Administration recommends that you supervise your children at all times when the gas stove is on and make a 3-foot safety perimeter around the stove area. This will reduce your child's risk of becoming burnt from hot liquids or open flames.
- Be aware of other kitchen objects that can catch fire from an open flame. Objects such as papers, oven mitts, hand towels and appliance cords that are place by the gas stove can easily catch on fire. Before using a gas stove, clear the immediate area of all objects that can pose a fire hazard.
- Keeping your gas stove clean will help reduce the risk of fire in your home. Dirt, grime and old pieces of food can ignite by the stove's open flame and start on fire. Before and after you use your gas stove, make sure that it is clean and free from any dirt or other debris.
- The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that some gas stoves have ranges that can tip over when unbalanced or pulled. This can be an extreme safety issue for homes that have children. Inquisitive children have been known to stand on the over door and reach up to the gas stove. In some cases the range has tipped over and caused severe burns and scalds. If your gas stove has a range, make sure that it is locked and secure to help minimize kitchen accidents. To determine if your range is safe, check the back of the stove to see if it is locked with an L-shaped bracket. L-shaped brackets can be purchased from local hardware stores.
