820-Lancntar Fanning, Saturday, November 8, 1997
Keep Safety In Mind When Using Portable Kerosene Heaters
UNIVERSITY PARK (Centre
Co.) The high cost of home
heating has increased the popular
ity of portable kerosene heaters.
But these heaters can cause prob
lems if not treated with caution,
says a housing expert in Penn
State's College of Agricultural
Sciences.
"Improved design has increased
the efficiency and safety of most
portable kerosene heaters,” says
Phyllis Adams, associate profes
sor of agricultural and extension
education.
"Most new kerosene heaters
include several safety features,
such as a tower center of gravity to
prevent tipping and automatic
snuffing devices to extinguish the
flame if the heater is knocked
over. In the newer applicances,
fuel is now wick-fed rather than
gravily-or pressure-fed, permit
ting the fuel tank to be located
further from the flame.
“But despite improvements,
kerosene heaters still can be seri
ous fire and safety hazards,”
Adams says. “Kerosene heaters
should be installed properly
according to manufacturer’s
directions and used only in safe,
well-ventilated areas. They should
never be used in tightly closed
rooms, garages or workshops
where adequate ventilation is
questionable or where there might
be flammable liquids or combusti
ble dust.”
If you are considering purchas
ing a unit, make sure that state and
local laws permit the use of
unvented portable heaters in your
home. Be sure to keep health and
safety features in mind when
choosing a specific model.
These features can include an
Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or
another recognized testing labor
atory’s label or listing; an automa
tic flame extinguisher in case the
heater tips over; an oxygen deple
tion sensor; a removable fuel tank;
and an accurate, easy-to-read fuel
gauge.
Modern heaters are designed to
bum more efficiently, reducing
carbon monoxide emission from
incomplete combustion. “Howev
er, ventilation still is essential
when using these heaters ” Adams
warns. "A minimum of one
square-inch opening of a window
or door for every 1,000 BTU heat
rating on the heater is
recommended.”
With surface temperatures
sometimes exceeding 500 degrees
Fahrenheit, kerosene heaters also
can cause bums and fires if used
carelessly. Adams offers some
tips to stay both safe and warm
when using these appliances.
"Place your heater on level
ground, and keep it away from
combustible walls, curtains, car
pets and furniture,” she says.
"Also keep the heater away from
high-traffic areas of a room to
avoid tripping, contact bums and
ignition of clothing. Children and
pets should be taught to stay away
Montgomery County Awards
4-H’ers At Fair
CREAMERY (Montgomery
Co.) Results of the Montgom
ery County 4-H Fair were posted
recently.
Grand champion market hog
went to Jacob Cargos for his
280-pound hog. Jacob, 16, was
also named champion showman.
He is the son of Paul and Eileen
Gorges, Telford. Jacob, president
of the livestock club, is in the 10th
grade at C. Dook High School and
is involved in the Green Pastures
Sheep Club.
The champion market hog was
purchased by Frederick Flowers
for $4.10 a pound. Jacob’s fourth
place duo swine were purchased
by Hatfield Quality Meats for
$1.05 a pound.
The grand champion duo pen
was shown by Craig Horvath. The
560-pound pen was purchased by
Quakertown Vet for $1.15 a
pound.
Craig, 16, is the son of Gayle
and Mike Horvath, Royersford.
The 16-year-old attends Spring
ford High School.
At the steer show, Jacob Garges
showed the reserve grand champ
ion market steer, Alex, purchased
by Moyer and Son for $1 a pound.
He was also named grand champ
ion showman.
from the heater.
"When using a kerosene heater,
install reliable automatic smoke/
fire alarm detectors and carbon
monoxide detectors in the vicini
ty," she ways. "It’s also a wise
precaution to keep a Class B or C
fire extinguisher nearby and easily
accessible.”
Using inappropriate fuel can
produce excessive amounts of tox-
At the steer show, Gavin
Bechtle was named grand champ
ion with his 1,125-pound steer.
The grand champion fitter and
reserve showman, Gavin’s parents
ate Sharon and Gary Bechtle, Sel
lersvillc. Gavin, 14, is in the 9th
grade at Pcnnridgc South Senior
High School. The champion was
purchased by Quakertown Vet for
Wreath Making Workshop
WESTMINSTER, Md. The
Carroll County Extension Office
is offering a workshop on holiday
wreath making on December 4
from 6-8 p.m. The class will be
held at the Carroll County Exten
sion Office in Westminster. Fre
derick artist and Master Gardner
Rena Damskey will instruct on
making holiday wreaths and gar
lands from natural materials. Par
ticipants will complete a wreath,
swag or garland. All participants
should bring primers and some
type of wreath form (grapevine,
straw, wire, etc.) to fit the size of
the wreath or garland they would
like to make. All other materials
including greens and bows will be
provided.
ic gases, smoke or flare-ups. "Use
only K-l kerosene fuel,” Adams
says. "Never refuel the heater
while it is still hot, and never fuel
the heater indoors. Remove the
fuel tank, and Gil it outside." Fuel
should be stored in a tightly closed
safety container that is clearly
labeled and kept in a safe, cool
and dry place.
$1.67 a pound.
Christine Michalik showed the
grand champion market goat and
was named grand champion show
man and reserve fitter. Christine’s
60-pound champion was pur
chased by Alderfer Auction for
$3.75 a pound. Christine’s parents
are Cindi and Arch Michalik,
Sellersville.
There is a $l5 charge for the
workshop. Participants must
register in advance. Class size will
be limited. The closing date for
registration is December 1. For
questions or to request registration
materials, call Lisa on Mondays or
Thursdays at the Extension Office
(410) 848-4611 or (410)
875-2801.
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