6. Heater Safety - As cooler weather comes, space heater use increases. Power outages greatly increase space heater use. As with all energy sources, there are some risks involved. Space heaters come in fixed-location and portable types. Also, some are for outdoor use only and some are for indoor use only. Read the container and instructions carefully to determine if the heater is appropriate for the use you intend.

It seems that each year there are deaths form carbon monoxide poisoning from propane and kerosene space heater use. All combustion generates some carbon monoxide. If you use a propane heater indoors in a very tight location (little ventilation), you risk being in a place with built-up carbon monoxide. Heaters specified for outdoor use will cause a more rapid build-up of carbon monoxide than one rated for indoor use.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, scentless, tasteless gas that kills in high enough concentrations. Using a carbon monoxide detector will warn you if concentrations get too high. Other symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are nausea and headache, but these should not be depended on in place of a detector.

Space heaters can also cause suffocation. They use the same oxygen out of the air that you need to support your life. Any heater used indoors should be equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS). The unit will shut down before it uses too much of the oxygen if it has an ODS. However, be warned that it will generate a higher concentration of carbon monoxide as it decreases the oxygen level in the room.

If you take nothing else away from this section, please remember the part about not using outdoor heaters indoors.

8. Hurricanes and Propane Safety - Know these safety measures to help keep your family safe during and after a hurricane. This education brochure was provided by the Propane Education Research Council (PERC).

Please note that the brochure lists preparations to be made well in advance of a storm, some to be made as the storm approaches, and cautions for after the storm.

Before the storm:

• Make sure that propane containers that are below the 100-year flood level are securely anchored to prevent them from floating away.
• Know what propane smells like so you can recognize the hazard if it leaks. Install carbon monoxide and/or propane detectors.
• Know how to shut off the propane supply.
• Learn from your propane company which appliance valves need to be closed and where they are.
• Have an emergency plan!

As the storm approaches:

• Turn off the gas. Do this whether you are staying or evacuating.
• Turn off valves near appliances as directed by the propane company.

After the storm:

• Be very aware of your surroundings.
• Never use outdoor appliances indoors!
• Do not use ovens or stoves for space heating.
• Do not turn the gas back on until the propane company checks the system for leaks. (A state law.)

14. Grilling safety - See a brochure from the National Fire Protection Association about tips you need to know to safety use your grill.

The Propane Education and Research Council has an excellent video about grilling safety. They also have a page of their website dedicated to grilling safety.