March 31, 1998

Extension expert urges caution when using portable heaters after tornado

Without electricity, residents of storm-damaged communities in Southern Minnesota will be looking for ways to keep warm and dry. Alternate heating sources can be dangerous or even deadly without the right handling.

John Shutske of the University of Minnesota Extension Service's Farm Safety & Health Program warns people to take extra care when using indoor space heaters.

"If the heaters aren't used right, the biggest problems are carbon monoxide poisoning and fire," Shutske says. "People need to be very careful when they use these heaters."

Shutske says important safety rules for heaters include:

• Never put an indoor heater on carpeting. Place a strip of sheet metal between the heater and linoleum.



• Supervise heating units at all times. Keep children away from heaters and make sure someone is checking the heater while others sleep.



• Keep three feet of open space around the heater.



• Don't use the heater to dry wet materials like clothes or tennis shoes.



• Open windows at least one inch to let out carbon monoxide when using a kerosene or wood-burning stove. A little heat loss is much better than carbon monoxide poisoning.



• Never use gasoline in a kerosene heater.



• Fill kerosene heaters outside. Make sure they're cooled and cleaned first.



• LP gas heaters are not recommended for indoor use.

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Source: John M. Shutske, (612) 626-1250, shutske@gaia.bae.umn.edu
Writer: Kathleen Cleberg, (612) 624-3259, kcleberg@extension.umn.edu

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