Steps offered for propane safety

Wildfires can spread quickly and destroy or damage homes and property. If a home or business uses propane to generate heat or run appliances, there are a few simple steps one can take to keep the family safe and avoid potential dangers.

—Clear at least a 10-foot area around the propane tank and gas grill of any debris. Remove anything that is combustible or easily ignited, including leaves, brush, vegetation and rags. Make sure the grill and all propane cylinders are at least 10 feet from any structure.

—Never store, place or use a propane cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed or tent.

—Create an emergency preparedness plan and review it with everyone in the family. Post a list with contact information for the propane retailer and emergency services along with instructions for turning off propane, electricity and water.

—If a wildfire threatens one’s safety, shut off the gas. Turn off the main gas supply valve on the propane tank, if it is safe to do so. Also turn off the gas supply valves located near individual indoor appliances. If one has a propane fireplace or log set, close any screen, door or damper.

—After the wildfire danger has passed, take the time to carefully evaluate the condition of all the structures on the property. If it is dark, use flashlights, not candles. Check for downed power lines. Inspect the gas lines and tank for damage. Inspect chimneys, flue pipes and vent connectors for damage, blockage or debris. Immediately call a local utility company or propane retailer if any of these hazards are observed.

—Never use outdoor propane appliances indoors or in enclosed areas. This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death. These include such appliances as outdoor portable heaters, barbecue grills and portable generators. Only use appliances indoors that are designed and approved for indoor use.

—Have a qualified service technician perform a complete inspection of the propane system if one suspects any of the propane appliances, equipment or vehicles have been damaged, or they have turned off the gas supply. Never use or operate appliances, equipment or vehicles, or turn on the gas supply, until the system has been inspected by a qualified service technician.

—Exercise sound judgment. Stay calm; use radios, television and telephones to stay informed and connected. Remember, wildfires can last several days and roads may be inaccessible for fuel delivery or emergency services.

Fire Sense Indoor/Outdoor Wall-Mount Infrared Heater, Black Free ...

I purchased this heater for my outdoor sitting area which is enclosed on two sides and covered. Although I would have probably needed two or three to properly heat the whole area. As far as heat output this thing is great however at night time the tremendous orange glow is a little overwhelming. Many of my friends commented that they felt like they were under the warmers at a McDonalds. At night we typically keep the lights off or dimmed low, and with this thing on it feels as if all the lights are on full blast and everyone has a weird orange glow. Therefore if you looking for something that puts out the heat and the light this thing is for you. As for me I’m moving this into my shop because with all lights on in the shop you want notice the orange glow and for my outside i will probably get something that doesn’t put out this kind of light because when I’m sitting outside at night with friends, i prefer for it not to feel like daylight. Again though puts out the heat like…

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I was really looking forward to getting rid of my torpedo heater because it is a hassle to use. Have to keep kerosene on hand, then move a car out of the garage to actually use it due to space limitations. I got my infrared heater yesterday and mounted it in the garage to one of the rafters closest to the front ends of the cars, centered between the two cars. It was about 27 degrees last night and when I plugged it in I was disappointed with the amount of heat that it puts out. Sure, if you are within about three or four feet from the unit there is sufficient heat, but this thing is supposed to throw a blanket of heat out to about 10′. In reality that doesn’t happen. What I think would help is a fan to blow some of the heated air out into the room. I’m keeping it because it can take the chill off when I’m working under the hood of my car, but for the rest of the garage, I have my trusty but smelly torpedo heater that can warm my entire uninsulated garage within a matter of ten minutes.

This is a adequately designed unit for outdoor use, but puts out a lot more light than heat. I bought this to use on my screened in patio. It is mounted above the sliding door, pointed at my spa. My hope was that it would provide enough heat that one could stand under it while drying off from the spa during chilly weather, but it just doesn’t put out that much heat. My propane patio heater is far more effective, if something of a bother to light. I didn’t expect it to heat an area – just people standing under it for 5 minutes or so…. disappointing that it can’t even do that.

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