| In some areas right now, the weather is ideal for | | | | ò Any open fire is a potential hazard. Keep any |
| sitting outside inthe evening -- the bugs have gone | | | | overhead sparksfrom tree branches or patio |
| and the sky is clear -- but thenights are chilly. Don't | | | | overheads, and be sure to teach childrenproper fire |
| let the cool evenings send you inside --extend your | | | | safety. |
| outdoor living season by heating your deck or patio. | | | | ò Natural gas heaters are easy to use but are |
| Different heaters are available for different needs | | | | usually built inand, although bottled gas may be |
| andcircumstances. A heater will be powered by | | | | purchased, are best limited to thoseareas that have |
| propane, natural gas,alcohol-gel, electricity, wood, or | | | | natural gas service. |
| wood substitutes such as charcoalor artificial logs. | | | | ò Propane heaters can be economical to |
| Depending on the size and the heat source, theymay | | | | operate. Depending onthe heat output level you set, |
| warm only a small space or heat a party-size yard. | | | | a standard propane tank can provide 10- |
| For all heating units to perform optimally, they will | | | | 12 hours of heat. |
| need the rightlocation. The ideal site is a combination | | | | ò Propane-powered "mushroom" or "umbrella" |
| of walls or fences (toradiate the heat back into your | | | | heaters (so calledbecause of their shape) are the |
| space) and overhead structures thatwill prevent the | | | | best choice for heating large areas. |
| wind from blowing directly through your selectedarea. | | | | They radiate warming rays from the top cylinder and |
| Here are some tips for effective and safe use: | | | | provide a comfortzone of 12 - 20 feet in diameter. |
| ò Wood-burning fireplaces and fire pits are | | | | The propane tank is hidden in thebottom of the unit. |
| generally the leastexpensive to buy and to operate. | | | | It's a good idea to put these units away when notin |
| Check for zoning ordinances to besure that you can | | | | use as they can be sensitive to the elements. Smaller |
| burn wood on your property. Some municipalitiesallow | | | | tabletopunits are also available. |
| wood burning in a small chimenea unit, but will not | | | | ò Although electric heat is usually the most |
| approve abuilt-in or dug fire pit. Wood-burning units | | | | expensive, thereare a few electric heaters designed |
| range from smallcollapsible units on wheels for easy | | | | specifically for outdoor use. Besure that any heater |
| portability to huge built-inconcrete fireplaces. If you | | | | that is left outside is rated as such. |
| are permitted to burn wood, you are sureto find a | | | | With the wide selection of outdoor heating devices |
| unit to suit your needs! | | | | available, you'resure to find one that right's for you. |
| ò If you have a pottery fireplace, or chimenea, | | | | So heat up the night - and goright on enjoying your |
| use itcautiously as these units are lightweight and | | | | outdoor space. |
| reasonably fragile. Tokeep the fire from getting hot | | | | Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, |
| enough to break the chimenea, it'sbest to use | | | | and is dedicated tohelping people create outdoor |
| kindling-size wood. | | | | living spaces that nurture and enrichthem. Visit her on |
| ò Many wood-burning units have optional cooking | | | | the web at and get a freereport on "Eight easy |
| grills so yourfire can do double duty warming your | | | | ways to create privacy in your outdoor space". |
| toes and your tummy. Try thisyummy "pizza" recipe, | | | | Mail to debbie@... |
| cooked up in campfire irons. | | | | |