Unless you are the pioneer type, a camping stove will accompany you on any camping trip. While they are very convenient and easy to operate, different stoves work on different fuels and work in different ways. So always read the owners manual. Aside from that, here are 15 rules that should be followed in regards to camping stoves for your protection and mother natures.
1. Being as children are a big part of camping, the use, refueling and storing of a stove should only be done under a knowledgeable adult.
2 – Use only approved, undamaged fuel containers. Keep them far from open flames and any other source of heat.
3 – When you need to changed the compressed gas cartridges, or when you need to refill liquid fuel containers, allow the stove (or lantern) to cool completely.
4 – Refill stoves or lanterns outside away from any other flames or heat source. For liquid fuel use a funnel and then allow any spilled fuel to evaporate before attempting to ignite.
5 – Place your camping stove on a cleared, level surface. On snow, place it on a large piece of plywood. This will keep the stove warmer and reduce the tendency for it to tip over.
6 – Check stoves, hoses and tanks before each outing. Check for bent valves, cracked hoses and stripped treads that could cause leaks and possible explosions.
7 – Keep the fuel tanks as far from the actual camping stove as possible. Always keep your head and body to one side when lighting in case it creates a flare up.
8 – Never leave a lit stove or lantern unattended.
9 – Do not over load the stove. These are not made for heavy duty cooking but transportability. If anything larger then a 2 quart pot is needed, setup a second grill and place the stove under it.
10 – Do not discard empty containers. If they are not refillable, they should be disposed of properly being as the dumpster at the campsite might be disposed of by burning all refusal.
11. Camping stoves or lanterns must never be used inside a tent or any building with poor ventilation.
12 – All canisters should be bright red or at least marked well so they do not get confused with water bottles
13. Carry fuel cartridges away form all foods. This may mean carrying it on the outside of a back pack.
14 – Shut off the supply valve at the tank before disconnecting hoses. Allow the extra gas in the line to bleed off.
15 – All ways read the manufactures guide lines and follow them.
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