CHENANGO COUNTY – Last week’s snap of cold weather seems to have come to an end, but local officials want to insure that if it returns, residents will know how to handle it.
A combination of bitterly cold weather and high heating oil costs have led some individuals to look for alternative ways to heat their homes this winter. According to the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, many are using propane cylinders inside residential structures, and the results can be dangerous.
In at least three fires reported to the New York state Office of Fire Prevention and Control, small one pound to twenty pound propane cylinders were found inside the destroyed structures, some of which had ruptured causing explosions.
Propane, commonly known as liquefied petroleum gas or LP gas, is commonly used in barbecue grills and portable stoves as well as in some furnaces, cooking stoves, water heaters and various appliances. However, propane tanks are normally stored outside of the home. “The problem is that people are bringing the portable tanks inside,” said City of Norwich Code Enforcement Officer Jason Lawrence. Small heaters, intended for outside use are used in the home, and if placed too close to combustible material, the heaters can cause fires, which often cause the propane cylinders to explode.
In addition to the risk of fire, propane also has the potential to create carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can cause death in a matter of minutes. “Another issue posed by using the propane heaters is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and that is one of our biggest worries,” Lawrence said. According to the release from the office of Fire Prevention and Control, “When not enough oxygen is present for complete combustion, propane burns to from water and carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless gas, which can cause death in a matter of minutes.
“The big issue is, if you are using propane heaters in your home, stop,” Lawrence said.
While few incidents involving propane heat have been seen inside the city, Lawrence explained that several incidents involving kerosene heaters and portable generators have caused health issues. Similar to the propane heaters, kerosene heaters are also used as an alternative to traditional heating sources. Lawrence cautioned that kerosene heaters must be properly maintained in order to function properly. “They need to be maintained and cleaned and the wick needs to be cleaned, or it could lead to insufficient combustion which will cause smoke and carbon monoxide,” Lawrence said. The code officer explained that he had seen several kerosene heaters being used to heat homes in the City of Norwich.
Another potential danger, Lawrence explained is the use of portable generators. In the event of a power outage, generators should never be placed in side a residence. Even when placed in a basement or attached garage with doors and windows open, the exhaust from the generator, containing carbon monoxide, can lead to death or serious illness. The office of Fire Prevention reported that 65 people died in the U.S. from generator-related carbon monoxide poisoning last year.