Questions - Help, please!!

[SolidA]

Hi! Since I live in Minnesota, obviously we need heat in the wintertime. I live in a detached townhouse in a small suburb (don't ask ::) and we have RULES - i.e., no wood burning stoves or fireplaces, no solar panels, (but TV satellites are OK?!) etc. So, my question is: if we have a blizzard or some other disaster that knocks out the power for any length of time, how would I heat the house (or part of it???). I feel semi-prepared for anything else, but haven't figured this part out yet. Last winter I did purchase 2 "camping-type" heaters that need those 1 lb. propane tanks, but even though I have about 10 of the canisters stored in my garage, I know that wouldn't see us through a longer disaster. My second question is, how do I safely store the canisters... they are currently in a cupboard in our attached garage, but I am a wimp when it comes to gasoline, etc. and am afraid of it (which is why we only have 10 canisters stored, which is, I am sure, still enough to blow up the house). Can anyone help??? Thanks!

[kawalekm]

Hi S.A.
I have two suggestions for you. *First, you can get a bigger propane heater that runs off a 5 gallon tank.
Norhtern tool sells this one, but most big retailers have something like it.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200332707_200332707
If you already have a propane grill, then it's a perfect fit. *I'd suggest having at least two tanks per appliance, so you can have it continuously running even while you refill. *But basicly, the more and bigger tanks you get the better. *Another advantage of propane is you can also get a tabletop burner for regular cooking.

Secondly, I myself use a kerosene heater.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200316420_200316420
I have a Corona DK and it can heat the whole cabin on winter nights. *You have to be a little more carefull about proper ventilation though because it produces more fumes than propane. *Kerosene is cheapest if you can by it at the pump at a service station. * If you try buying a 5 gallon can of it somewhere like Home Depot though you will have to pay at least 7-8$ per gallon for it.

For storage, all I have to suggest is keep them off the ground but on a low shelf, so there neither a corrosion hazard, or a chance of falling. Kept in a dry roomtemp location, those steel tanks will last forever.
Michael

[SolidA]

Thanks for the ideas - I have a Northern Tool store a few miles from my house (never even thought of them!) so I will go check it out later today. Looks like I will have to get over my fear of combustibles!!!! (Staying warm is more important).

[Shamrock1121]

We got through an ice storm last December, and the 'utility-free' days following, with a Mr. Heater Portable Buddy - http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=Mr.+Heater+Buddy&um=1&ie=UTF-8 which are safe to use indoors. *We just made sure we had a working smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and fire extinguishers close at hand and made sure we opened a door once in a while to bring in some fresh air.

It's a good idea to keep pets and children away from these types of heaters, and to place them where they won't catch something on fire. *Give them plenty of clearance from curtains and furniture, etc.

We have a supply of 1# propane cylinders because you can use those inside, which makes it easy to move the Buddy around. *We used about 1 canister per day, and we store them in a fire-proof storage cabinet in the garage. *We also store a couple 20# propane cylinders for longer use, but you have to keep those outside during use, and we have the long hose needed to use with those.

You only need to fire the heater up periodically, rather than keeping it on constantly - especially if you only heat a small space. *Most houses will maintain a liveable temperature if you wear sufficient clothing. *Our basement was warmer than upstairs, so consider moving below grade if necessary. *

We lit a 100-hour emergency candle and sat it on the stove in the kitchen, and that and any other candles you happen to have lit will put out some heat. *Just avoid a lot of cheap scented candles. *They put off a lot of soot that can cause secondary problems - especially if anyone in the family have any breathing problems.

We also found "Hotties" (hand and body warmers) were nice to use. *You could use them to warm up bedding before going to bed - a modern-day hot water bottle - as well as more common uses. *We didn't have to keep the Buddy heater on at night at all.

Because our 72-hour emergency kit is loaded with single-serving foods that don't require heating or refrigeration, we didn't really need to do much cooking. *We used a Flat-Fold Stove and a can of sterno to heat water (which you can safely use indoors - we just placed it on our stove top). *You can find them at K-Mart or Wal-Mart in the camping department. *The heated water was put into all our Thermos-type containers. *You could use the hot water throughout the day for making instant soup, instant coffee or hot tea or instant cocoa. *At the end of the day, it was nice to use the warm water to wash with or do a few dishes up.

A bit off-topic, but the interesting experience during this ice storm.... *Because of the power-outage, our town only had one sending station running for sewage, and we had to restrict water use and only flush when it was "solid". *We didn't have to resort to using it, but we DO have a portable toilet and chemicals. *We also have LOTS of water in storage in the basement. *Whenever we have an ice storm in the forecast, I automatically fill all bathtubs with water and anything else that will hold water, as well as what's already in storage.

-Karen

[tufhelp]

You might also consider one of these small cylinder refill devices - it lets you refill your own small canisters from a bigger one. That way you could have big ones for storage and enjoy the portability of the canisters.

This one is from harbor freight @ 18.99, but they are always running specials:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos//45900-45999/45989-t.gif

http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=refil+gas+&Submit=Go

[12vman]

Tufhelp, Ya read my mind.. ;)

Two things to note with the above adaptor..

(1) They won't completely fill the smaller tanks up but that's ok.. It's easy to use..

(2) The larger tank must be inverted (upside down) while filling the smaller cylinders..
~Don

[DavidOH]

DO NOT USE AN OUTDOOR HEATER!!!
They will kill you!
Make sure the one you get has an
"Automatic low-oxygen shut off"

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_211577_211577

See if your apartment rules allow you to have a propane grill. That way you can have a couple of 20# propane tanks around.

[SolidA]

WOW - thanks everyone for the great ideas - and for the warnings!! I didn't know you could refill the smaller canisters from the bigger ones - and we do have a grill on the deck with a 20 lb. tank. I never thought about a fireproof container for the cylinders... I think that is a great idea and will ease my fear of explosion (and also allow me to store more fuel). I really appreciate all of you taking the time to help me out!!!

[SolidA]

Shamrock - where did you get your fireproof storage cabinet?? Is it a particular brand?? Thanks for any info!

[Shamrock1121]

Shamrock - where did you get your fireproof storage cabinet?? *Is it a particular brand?? *Thanks for any info!

Lucked out - bought it from a friend who was moving who had a small car repair shop and it was in his shop. Sorry, I don't know what kind or where it was purchased. You might check farm supply stores, car parts stores, fire and safety equipment stores... I'd think a gun safe might work in a pinch. -Karen

[SolidA]

Thanks Karen!