H and H Gas Company | Emergency Heating Do's and Don'ts

Plant Address
80 North Main St.Windsor, NJ 08561 Mailing Address
PO Box 208 Hightstown NJ 08520
		(609) 448-3232

Beware of Carbon Monoxide

Consumers who have purchased portable propane-powered radiant heaters as an alternative heat source during power outages need to know the facts: Never use portable propane heaters, lanterns or cook stoves inside. These products were designed to be used outdoors, in freely ventilated areas. Portable propane heaters burn and consume oxygen for combustion and can give off carbon monoxide (CO) if used in enclosed environments. Never use inside, especially while sleeping.

Today there are new heaters on the market that are equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS). If oxygen levels start to fall, this sensor automatically shuts off the heater before it can produce serious levels of carbon monoxide. These new ODS-equipped heaters are specifically designed for indoor use, but be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions to make sure that there is adequate ventilation, and shut the heater off before going to sleep.

CO is a silent killer: invisible, odorless, tasteless. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has published these guidelines to prevent CO poisoning:

New ODS-equipped heaters are for indoor use only.
Always follow manufacturer's instructions for ventilation.
Older heaters without an ODS are for outdoor use only.
Do not use outdoor-only heaters inside or in tents, campers, truck caps or RVs.
Do not use outdoor-only heaters, lanterns or stoves while sleeping.
Know the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness and confusion. Consumers who experience any of these symptoms should extinguish any possible source of CO and move to an area to get fresh air.
CO reduces the body's ability to carry oxygen. Low blood oxygen levels can result in unconsciousness and death.

According to the Coalition for Portable Propane Product safety, keep yourself warm and safe with these tips:

Wear layers of clothing.
Wear a hat: Keep your head covered to avoid loss of body heat.
Wear socks.
Mittens keep hands warmer than gloves.
Have extra blankets on hand.
Eat foods high in protein, carbohydrates and fats for energy.

If you are shopping for a portable heater read all packaging carefully to make sure the heater has an ODS and is approved for indoor use or whether it is outdoor use only.