Many of us depend on natural gas to warm our homes, cook our food and heat our water—it is a clean, dependable natural resource. It can, however, be a safety hazard. Take the time to read how you can reduce the risk of natural gas accidents.

1. Look for a blue flame. In your appliances and burners, the flame should NOT be orange or yellow. If pilot lights and burners have a steady blue flame, they should be operating correctly. (Fireplaces are the exception to this rule; you should check your natural gas fireplace operating manual for guidelines). If a burner goes out on your stove, shut off the range knob. Wait for the gas to dissipate. Then you can light a match and hold it to the pilot light to relight the burner.
2. Keep an eye on things. Does something look different? Do you see any connections that are at a strange angle or bent? Do you see any rust, stains, or water build up? If so, you should contact a qualified plumber to come and inspect the line and/or appliance.
3. Replace furnace filters three times per year (or per the manufacturer’s recommendation) to ensure that the air is flowing properly.
4. Have all gas appliances, furnaces, vents, flues, chimneys, and gas lines in your home inspected every year by a qualified professional.
5. Keep in mind that flexible natural gas connectors are corrugated metal tubes used to attach gas appliances to a home. Some older, uncoated brass connectors are still in use and can corrode or break.
6. If you have a natural gas appliance that is more than 25 years old, it is a good idea to have the connectors replaced.
7. If something seems unsafe, call a professional immediately to have the problem inspected and repaired.
8. Keep the areas around all appliances and equipment clean and unblocked to allow proper air flow.
9. Follow manufacturer instructions for the care and use of gas appliances and equipment.
10. Make sure you have an all-purpose (ABC rated) fire extinguisher in a convenient location. Always keep it in the same place, and double check that everyone in your home knows where it is located. You can purchase a fire extinguisher at most local home improvement stores.
11. Don’t store household chemicals or combustible materials near gas appliances. Doing so can cause a serious accident in your home. Vapors from flammable liquids such as gasoline, cleaning solvent, contact cement, and paint thinner can ignite from the pilot light found in natural gas water heaters or furnaces. Therefore, do not use these liquids near natural gas appliances.
12. Keep the lint trap on your gas dryer clean and clear. Check your clothes dryer’s exhaust duct, vent, and hood cover periodically, removing any lint or obstructions.