Using Auxillary Heating

Being snowed in with my backup propane space heater working full time made me pause to think about safety issues using such auxiliary heaters. According to a publication entitled “Space Heater Safety: Using Kerosene and Propane” by Sonja Koukel, Assistant Professor of Extension in Alaska, kerosene and propane space heaters can be used safely with a little good sense information. Most of us are probably aware of burn issues but less is known about the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that interferes with the oxygen availability throughout the body. Even low levels of CO will cause fatigue and chest pain in people with
chronic heart disease. As exposure to this gas increases, one may experience drowsiness, nausea, headaches, vomiting, confusion, and disorientation. A high level of exposure can result in loss of consciousness and even death. If you are using a heater that is not vented, do not close the door to the room in which it is being used. Some sources recommend that you open a window just a tiny bit to allow fresh air to circulate in the room and dilute any dangerous gas levels. “Propane is a cleaner fuel than kerosene. When burned, it emits ultra-low emissions of carbon monoxide. However, unvented propane space heaters still require proper ventilation from outside air,” states Ms. Kookily. Then there is the inconvenience of power outages during snow and ice storms. Many people have already inspected their generators in the event of losing power. Using a gasoline-powered generator can also be dangerous. Never use a generator in a closed or partially closed off area. The levels of CO can build up very quickly. Since the gas is colorless and odorless, a dangerous situation can happen before danger is even suspected. It is important to remember that CO buildup can happen with extended use of a generator even if you think that proper ventilation is in place. For this reason, the generator should always be located outside and away from windows, doors, and vents that could possible draw the gas to the inside. In Cherokee County, many people enjoy gas logs. However, since there is not a natural gas line in the county, gas logs are also powered with propane gas. It is much safer to have vented gas logs as opposed to the ventless logs if you have a choice. Propane does have an odor added to it since it is an odorless gas. Thus, a technician should be called if you smell gas in your home to make sure that you do not have a leak. Thus, with all of this winter weather, just take a little time to be extra cautious.


Teresa Wiley
Family and Consumer Science Agent

2011 New Year's Resolutions

Have you ever wondered why some New Year’s resolutions only last a few weeks or days? It seems that health and finances may be two important motivators. Consider the resolution that many make to quit smoking. It is often a life threatening illness such as emphysema that makes the resolution easier. Breathing becomes an issue. Financial motivators also make a change easier. In the example of smoking, consider the cost of smoking. Over a thousand dollars can be saved in one year smoking is kicked. What about the number one resolution to lose weight or become more physically fit? A number of health problems can be improved with the loss of excess pounds. Everything from high blood pressure to diabetes is often improved with losing excess pounds. On the financial side, insurance premiums may be affected by being overweight. Research bears out the fact that chronic health conditions are related to being overweight. Since everyone can relate to health and finances, maybe this is the angle to take in order to make your resolution stick and become a lifelong change. Smoking and weight loss have already been addressed. What about other popular resolutions? Relate them to health or finances and see if that makes a difference. Maybe you are not overweight but your eating habits leave much to be desired. The first bad habit that comes to mind is the habit of excess salt in our diets. We do need some salt but only one-teaspoon a day! We can easily get that in food without adding any to cooking or at the table. Be prepared if you decide to make this small, but extremely important change to your diet. Your food will taste very bland for a few weeks but your body will make the adjustment if given the opportunity. There is a popular snack food company that just released their new line of snacks made with all natural ingredients. I will be interested to see how the improved snacks address the financial aspect with the health benefits taken care of. It is interesting to me how some foods that have less fat, less sugar, less sodium, etc. are often more expensive. Why is this? Does it really cost more to remove or substitute chemicals for natural products? I love potato chips and may put them back in my list of healthy snacks if the sodium and fat issues are resolved without tripling the cost. Even the president of our country is battling the smoking issue. In the latest news it is reported that the president has now been smoke free for nine months. I guess he sees the health and financial benefits of making this change.

Teresa Wiley
Family and Consumer Science Agent