gas burners on stove

Appliance Safety

Natural gas appliances are safe, efficient and economical and safe.  Familiarize yourself with the safety features of your appliances.

Turning off Gas to a Specific Appliance

Gas Shut off

If an emergency occurs, you may need to disconnect your appliance from the main gas line to your home or business:

Each gas appliance has a shut-off valve where the appliance piping connects to the gas line. Shut off the appliance valve and contact ENSTAR's emergency line.

In the Kitchen

  • Flammable items such as paper towels, clothing, electrical cords and curtains should be kept away from gas range burners.
  • Make a point to teach children not to turn on range knobs.
  • Clean the stovetop regularly to keep grease from building up and creating a fire hazard.
  • Store an all-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher in a handy location.  If you do need to use it, aim for the base of the fire.
  • Do not put water on a grease fire! Use baking soda on grease fires, and put a large cover over a burning pot to cut off the oxygen flow.
  • If a gas flame goes out, turn the burner off, wait for gas to dissipate and then relight the burner.  If using a manual burner, light the match first, then gradually turn on the gas.

Furnaces and Water Heaters

  • Have a licensed professional inspect your heating equipment annually.
  • Keep flammable material and liquids away from natural gas appliances.
  • Water heater temperature settings should never be more than 120 degrees.

Pilot Lights

While new natural gas appliances have electronic ignition systems, water heaters and older gas appliances may have a pilot light that burns continuously. If a pilot light goes out, the automatic shut-off valve activates and the appliance safely shuts down.

If the pilot is out and you detect a gas odor, contact ENSTAR's emergency line to report the situation.

Venting Gas Appliances 

  • By law, gas and electric dryers must be vented to the outside. This prevents moisture and lint accumulation which may cause a fire hazard.
  • For your safety, operate appliances in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions.
  • Check your vent or chimney to ensure they are clear of debris, tight, and not blocked.
  • Contact ENSTAR's emergency line immediately to report any natural gas odor.

Flexible Gas Connectors

Older homes and appliances may have flexible gas connectors. Flexible connectors were most often used to connect gas ranges and clothes dryers.

Flexible gas connectors are typically made of corrugated, uncoated brass.  As the connectors age, they may crack or break, resulting in a gas leak, fire, or explosion.

If your appliance has a flexible gas connector, it should be replaced. Contact a licensed professional to conduct an inspection.

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