• Store cylinders in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep cylinders away from heat sources like stoves, heaters, or fireplaces.
• Never store gas cylinders in basements or closed spaces where gas can build up if there is a leak.
• Always keep empty and full cylinders separate and mark them clearly.

• Always check the rubber seal (O-ring) before connecting the cylinder to the regulator. Replace it if worn out.
• Open the cylinder valve slowly. Do not force it open or use tools to turn it.
• Always turn off the cylinder valve when not in use, especially at night or before leaving home.
• Never try to repair or modify the cylinder, valve, or regulator yourself. Call a professional.
• Do not use a cylinder that looks damaged, rusty, or has dents.

Lighting a gas stove the wrong way can cause a fire blast. Follow these simple steps every time you want to cook:

Before Lighting:

• Make sure the kitchen window or door is open for fresh air.
• Check that the hose is properly connected and not cracked or worn out.
• Keep all flammable items like cloth, paper, and cooking oil away from the stove.

Steps to Light the Stove:

• Step 1 Open the cylinder valve first. Turn it slowly to let gas flow to the stove.
• Step 2 Light your matchstick or gas lighter first. Hold the lit match or lighter close to the burner before turning on the stove knob.
• Step 3 Turn the stove knob slowly. While holding the flame near the burner, turn the knob to release gas. The burner should light immediately.
• Step 4 Adjust the flame to your needed size. A blue flame means the gas is burning well. A yellow or orange flame means there is a problem.
• Step 5 If the burner does not light, turn off the knob immediately. Wait for a few minutes to let any gas that escaped clear out. Then try again with a fresh match or lighter.

After Cooking:

• Turn off the stove knob completely.
• Close the cylinder valve tightly.
• Wait for the stove to cool before cleaning or covering it.

• If you smell gas, do not light any matches or switch on/off electrical appliances. Sparks can cause fire.
• Apply soapy water on the cylinder valve and hose connections. If bubbles form, there is a leak.
• Never use a flame to check for leaks. This is very dangerous and can cause an explosion.
• If you find a leak, turn off the valve, open windows and doors, and move the cylinder outside if it is safe to do so.

A gas cylinder fire in a closed kitchen is very dangerous. The fire can spread fast, and the heat can make the cylinder explode. Stay calm and follow these steps carefully:

Step-by-Step Actions:

• Step 1 Stay calm and do not panic. Panic makes you make wrong choices. Take a deep breath and think clearly.
• Step 2 Do not run out and leave the fire behind. A small fire can grow very fast. If it is safe, try to put it out first.
• Step 3 Turn off the cylinder valve if you can reach it safely. Use a wet cloth or wet sack to cover your hand and turn the valve clockwise to close it. This stops more gas from feeding the fire.
• Step 4 Open all windows and doors immediately. This lets fresh air come in and pushes the gas and smoke out. It also stops gas from building up and causing a bigger explosion.
• Step 5 Do not switch on or off any electric device. Do not touch light switches, fans, or any electric button. Even a small spark can cause the gas to explode.
• Step 6 Remove other flammable items if safe. If there are cooking oil, kerosene, cloth, or paper near the fire, move them away quickly if you can do it without getting hurt.
• Step 7 Use a fire extinguisher or traditional method to put out the fire. See the traditional remedies section below for what you can use at home.
• Step 8 If the fire is too big, leave the house immediately. Tell everyone in the house to go outside. Do not go back inside for any reason.
• Step 9 Call the Fire Service from a safe distance. Use the emergency numbers listed below. Tell them your location and that it is a gas cylinder fire.
• Step 10 Warn your neighbors. Tell neighbors to stay away from the area in case the cylinder explodes.

If the fire is small and just starting, you can use these simple things found at home to put it out. These methods work by cutting off the oxygen that the fire needs to burn.

Wet Sack or Wet Blanket:

• Take a thick sack, jute bag, or heavy blanket and soak it in water until it is very wet.
• Carefully throw the wet sack or blanket over the burning cylinder or the burning area.
• The wet cloth will block the air from reaching the fire and the fire will die. This is one of the oldest and most effective ways to stop small fires.
• Make sure the cloth is thick and very wet. A thin or dry cloth can catch fire itself.

Dry Sand or Dry Soil:

• If you have dry sand or dry soil at home, you can pour it over the base of the fire.
• The sand will cover the fire and stop air from reaching it. This works well for small fires on the floor.
• Keep a bucket of dry sand in the kitchen if you use gas for cooking. It is cheap and always ready.

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate):

• If you have baking soda in the kitchen, throw a large amount directly on the fire.
• Baking soda releases carbon dioxide when heated, which pushes oxygen away and stops the fire.
• Note: You need a lot of baking soda. A small pinch will not work. Use at least a full cup or more.

Wet Mud or Clay:

• In some villages and towns, people use wet mud or clay to cover small fires.
• Throw thick wet mud over the burning area. The mud blocks air and cools the fire at the same time.

Salt:

• Plain cooking salt can also help put out small fires. Throw a large amount of salt on the fire.
• Salt works like sand. It covers the fire and stops air from reaching it.

Save these numbers in your phone now. Do not wait for an emergency to look for them. All calls to these numbers are free.

Regional Fire Service Numbers:

• Only buy gas cylinders from authorized and trusted dealers.
• Check the expiry date on the cylinder. Old cylinders can be unsafe.
• Keep children away from gas cylinders and teach them that it is not a toy.
• Replace old or damaged hoses and regulators every two years.
• Never refill gas cylinders yourself. This is illegal and very dangerous.