Gas Fire Prevention Tips

I remember one handy tip that I have learned from one gas saver device salesman during a product demonstration presented to my mom, was to always turn off the cooking gas knob first before the stove knob. I was in the fifth grade then, it has been like instinct for me since. For someone who has been doing this for over twenty one years, I consider it one of the basic lessons that I have learned not because I was a nosy little kid but because it was explained why that tip was valuable. I was able to visualize the damages of gas fires or electric fires and if there is anything I have learned, it does help. It gives you reason to put better effort in an otherwise task that is more often than not left for granted.

If in any case that you have smelled a heavy has odor, turn off any flames, open all windows and doors at once. Get everyone inside the house out of the house. Make sure you do not touch a light switch, pick up a telephone or make any electrical connection that could create a spark. I believe these things are common knowledge for most of us, but a good reminder too. There are just some things that we do not really anticipate and not ready for.


The shutoff valve on a gas range or oven is located near the point where the gas line enters-usually under the cook top. If yours is not there, consult your manual or call your dealer. Note that some models has theirs under the broiler drawer.

If there is any instance that you would notice a faint scent of gas, check for a burner flame or a pilot light that has blown out. Do not forget to check the oven as well. If it persists, contact your gas dealer to have your unit checked.

Keep in mind that in ventilating a room, natural gas is lighter than air and collects in the upper part of the room and liquefied petroleum gas sinks to the floor. Written in association with fire safety training suppliers.

Dealing with Drains

To keep a drain free of odor, run very hot tap water after every use. And about once every week, throw in a handful of baking soda. An alternative to baking soda is vinegar. Pour in one full cup of vinegar and let it stand for 30 minutes. After which you run very hot tap water through the drain.

Remember that it is always easier to prevent a clogged drain that to clear one. Pour grease into an empty can or a a milk carton rather then into the sink. This also applies to coffee grounds and other bits of garbage.

Home Inventory Photos

I have encountered some handy tips in the past suggesting to get your photo taken with belongings around your house. It can sound a little ridiculous at first, but the very purpose of such could actually be your insurance to the ownership of the possessions you have accumulated throughout the years.

Make sure to get these photos kept safe in your safe if you have one or in a metal box. This will be your proof that the item is yours, when any or lost, stolen or destroyed. One easier piece to do is have someone take a video of you as you enumerate the things around your house. This will be way easier and can give out details that could take lots of photographs would need to get a hold of. In a video you can actually hold the items and show them special marks from the very same object that cannot be disputed that it is of another item, like if it were photos.

This could really come in as a very neat way to secure your items at home and this could allow you to claim from insurance companies in the event of fire or similar unexpected events.

Medical Records

Our family has been stricken with diseases these past couple of months. This just reminded me to kepp all the materials, documents, like that of medical or dental insurance in one safe place and where it is easy to locate. I was hospitalized less than a month ago and some important documents were needed for us to be able to enjoy the benefit of our medical insurance. Some documents that are needed to be filed in this category are PhilHealth payments slips, photocopy of marriage and birth certificates.

One important thing to remember when you decide to change dental or medical providers is get a hold of a summary of your records from them. This will come in very handy as you hand this over to your next provider.

Another tip for those who have offsprings ready to leave home, make sure they have a copy of all medical records, including vaccinations, recent x-rays, a list of childhood illnesses, et al. These will come in really handy when medical attention is required.