ERIE, Pa., Jan. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2020, many
Americans spent as much time as possible outdoors. While we all
love fresh air, the reason is a bit more obvious: COVID-19. Now
that the temperatures have dropped, and a new year has arrived,
many people are still looking for ways to stay safe and comfortable
outdoors. But how can you keep warm? One solution – outdoor patio
heaters.
Whether you choose propane, electric or natural gas, patio
heaters can be dangerous if not used correctly. Erie
Insurance offers tips to make sure you are heating your
favorite outdoor space safely.
- Give it space. To prevent fire hazards, keep your
heater a safe distance away from walls, ceilings, furniture, carpet
or any other flammable material. Experts recommend providing three
feet of clearance around all sides of the heater, unless otherwise
specified by the heater's manufacturer.
- Find a level spot. Only use your patio
heater on a flat, level surface. Placing your heater on an incline
could cause it to roll or tip over, creating both a fire and burn
hazard.
- Check for leaks. When setting up a natural
gas or propane patio heater, always conduct a thorough inspection
to ensure there are no gas leaks. You can do this by applying a
soapy water solution to your gas tank and hose connections. If you
see bubbles rising from any connection points or smell gas, turn
off the heater and tighten the connections. If you can't stop the
leak, get your heater serviced before using it.
- Light it safely. When lighting up a gas
patio heater, always follow the manufacturer's instructions. While
most heaters have an electric ignitor button, others may require
you to light the pilot manually. If so, use a candle or grill
lighter that allows you to start the flame from a safe distance. If
you can't get the burner to light right away, turn off the heater
and wait at least five minutes. Then try again. This will prevent
gas buildup, which could lead to an explosion or flash burn.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Even if you
follow every safety precaution, accidents can still happen. That's
why it's wise to always keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Just make sure the fire extinguisher you buy is the right class for
your patio heater's fuel source (Class B for gas; Class C for
electric; or a multipurpose extinguisher for both).
- Watch it carefully. Never leave a patio heater
running while unattended. Be sure to keep kids and pets a safe
distance away at all times to prevent burns. And avoid using your
heater when winds exceed 10 miles per hour – the heater could blow
over, or the flame could blow out.
- Cover it up. Correctly storing your heater
when it's not in use will prevent it from getting clogged with bugs
and debris, and also prevent rust. You can purchase a custom cover
to protect your heater when it's not being used. If you won't be
using it for several months, it's a good idea to disassemble it and
store the heater indoors. Just be sure to leave the propane tank
outside. Propane should never be stored indoors — even in
a shed or garage.
No matter what kind of heating source you use, keep a smoke
detector and a carbon monoxide detector in the same room. Set
a reminder to test the batteries regularly too. Something else
that can give you peace of mind – having the right homeowners
insurance.
Learn about homeowners insurance from ERIE or find a local ERIE agent in your neighborhood to get a
free quote.
Erie Insurance Group
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group,
based in Erie, Pennsylvania,
is the 11th largest homeowners insurer and
12th largest automobile insurer in the United
States based on direct premiums written and the
16th largest property/casualty insurer in the
United States based on total lines net premium
written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best
Company, has more than 6 million policies in force and operates in
12 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Family Life Insurance Company
is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Life insurance
policies not written in New York
state. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500 company.
News releases and more information about Erie Insurance
Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.
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SOURCE Erie Insurance Group