| With old man winter in full effect people have started | | | | bowl or fire pit don't overload it. These were not |
| to more fully utilize their outdoor patio heaters, fire | | | | meant to provide excessive amounts of heat. Keep it |
| pits and fire places. Nights are crisp and cold. | | | | filled to the manufacturer's recommended fuel source |
| Everyone is turning up the heat or adding a few | | | | levels. These were not meant to be outdoor bonfire |
| extra logs to their outdoor fire bowl. While any | | | | containers! |
| outdoor heating device adds both comfort and charm | | | | • When using heating devices outside you |
| to any patio or garden it is always important to keep | | | | still must be mindful of anything combustible within a |
| safety in mind. | | | | three foot clearance. If the heating element comes in |
| Here are a few suggestions from Patio and Play for | | | | contact with paper or clothing, it will easily ignite |
| keeping your patio and garden area safe this winter. | | | | them. |
| • Number one on the list… Any | | | | • Do not ever discard ash or embers in |
| heating device that uses fuel, including wood in the | | | | trashcans. The heat created will ignite anything that it |
| fireplace, is a potential source of carbon monoxide. | | | | come into contact with. The best way to take care |
| This is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. Make sure | | | | of this problem is to use a metal bucket for ashes |
| there is adequate ventilation and realize even if you | | | | and leave the bucket on the lawn for the night. |
| are outdoors CO2 gasses rise and can stay trapped | | | | Discard the next day. |
| in confined areas. You may consider having a outdoor | | | | • Never leave a heater on when you go |
| ceiling fan on low to move the heat (and gas buildup) | | | | inside. (much less to bed) When the night is done |
| around. | | | | make sure your fire is out and your patio heater is |
| • If children are present make sure that any | | | | off. Turn the propane off at the canister as well as |
| heating device be out of the way of any foot traffic. | | | | shutting it off at the thermostat. If you have been |
| Children at play have a high potential for knocking | | | | using an outdoor fireplace you can throw a little dirt |
| over free standing patio heaters or falling into or | | | | on the embers to assist in smothering what is left of |
| onto a fire bowl or fire pit. If your kids are going to | | | | your fire. Be especially considerate if this device is |
| be playing outside while you enjoy the heat explain | | | | used on a deck or porch. |
| to them before hand the potential for harm. | | | | While it's fun to sit around the heat outside in the |
| • If using a patio heater check the hoses | | | | backyard on a cold night and swap stories, you |
| that lead from your fuel source (often a propane | | | | should keep in mind that it can be dangerous if not |
| tank) to the heaters itself. | | | | done carefully. These tips can keep your outdoor |
| • Also if using a patio heater check the | | | | area cozy, comfortable and safe for the entire family. |
| heating area for any blockage. Make sure all screens | | | | For a list of safetey-tested outdoor fire pits and |
| are kept free of debris. You never know if a wasp | | | | fireplaces, visit Patio and Play / Fireplaces and Pits . |
| decided to nest over the summer and anything | | | | For a selection of outdoor patio heaters with built-in |
| blocking full flow could create issues. | | | | safety tilt switches go to Patio and Play / Heaters. |
| • If using a chimnea, outdoor fireplace, fire | | | | |