How to Prevent a Gas Fire
by Jenna Mendez
3.5 min read
Thinking about the possibility of a gas fire within your home can be scary. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the top 3 most common causes of a fires within a home are caused by cooking, appliance and electrical malfunction, and exposure. This might sound daunting, but it’s important to understand how to prevent this kind of disaster from occurring. We’re here to help and have some helpful tips and advice on how to prevent gas fires in your home.
Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Making this move within your home can make all the difference when it comes to preventing a gas fire in your home. Carbon monoxide is not visible and can be odorless. So, your home could be at risk without you even knowing it! If carbon monoxide is inhaled at a high rate, it can be fatal to you and your loved ones. But with the power of a reliable carbon monoxide detector, this life saving tool can snuff out harmful gas and will alert you when gas levels are abnormal. By making sure you have this technology in your home as well as having it properly installed, you can protect all who enter your happy home!
Regularly Check your Appliances
If keeping your home safe and secure is your top priority, this is a must-follow tip! Regularly checking gas appliances like stoves and furnaces can help prevent unexpected gas fires in your home. But what should you look for when checking these appliances? Keeping a sharp eye out for frays on cords or any signs of leaks or corrosion. In the same way, if your appliances are giving off a strange smell or sound, get in contact with a professional as soon as possible. With this tip in mind, you can keep gas fires at bay.
Keep Flammable Items Away from Heat
It’s important to be extra mindful of this tip when it comes to preventing gas fires. First, it’s important to keep household items such as curtains, clothing, and furniture at least three feet away from an open flame or heated surface. This can help prevent a potential gas fire from starting. Similarly, you should always keep your heat source away from combustible items. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 27% of heating fires in residential buildings were caused by the limited spacing between combustible items and heat sources between 2017-2019. We recommend storing your combustible items in a detached garage or area that is well away from your gas centered appliances to ensure safety for all!
Check your Venting for Your Gas Appliances
This last tip is a solution you won’t want to miss! A blocked vent can cause carbon monoxide build up that can result in a deadly gas fire. To keep you and your loved ones safe from harm, it’s important to get your vents and gas appliances inspected at least once a year by a professional. In the same way, during your inspection, ask to have your vents cleared of any debris build up that will prevent gas fires later on. This quick and easy task can go a long way when it comes to the safety of your home.
All in all, gas fires seem scary but with the right tips and precautions, they are absolutely preventable. By taking these steps to ensure you’re keeping your home as safe as possible, gas fires can occur less often.
Santanna Energy Services is a supplier of renewable energy solutions in the United States, providing services to Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. We provide a wide range of energy services, products and natural gas options that are designed to keep your comfort in mind. Our mission is to provide innovative and cost-effective energy solutions that will help our customers achieve their energy goals. With over 35 years of experience, we are committed to creating life-long relationships by providing quality service to customers, communities, and employees.
Resources:
- usfa.fema.gov/statistics/reports/fire-causes/
- health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/air/toxins/index.html
- consumerreports.org/appliances/space-heaters/space-heater-safety-tips-a1096367334/
- usfa.fema.gov/statistics/reports/fire-causes/heating-fires-residential-buildings-v21i10.html
Jenna loves to use her voice to spread awareness about reforestation, eco-friendly initiatives, and protecting planet Earth. She's passionate about making the world a better place and is driven by her desire to give back to the planet. She is committed to learning more about the environment and its preservation and is a strong believer in the power of education and activism.
