Yahoo News How to Stay Safe on Your Patio While Using Space Heaters and Fire Pits
Do you have to start socializing inside once the temperature drops? The Norwegians don't think so—Friluftsliving, anyone?—and neither do we. But as the weather gets colder, it's likely that you'll turn to space heaters, fire pits, and other outdoor heaters to make sitting outside more comfortable.
Outdoor heating products can be safe if you follow the rules. That includes keeping your patio heater or fire pit away from buildings, bushes, trees, and other flammable objects, and ensuring that kids and pets keep their distance. Stick to these safety tips to make your evening around the campfire (or the patio heater) safe.
RELATED: How to Create the Ultimate Patio for Outdoor Entertaining This Fall
Fire Pit Safety
Who doesn't love making s'mores around a crackling fire? Just be careful about how you use your pit or chiminea—here's how.
Pick the perfect spot.
Fire pits can throw sparks, which could put everything surrounding it at risk. Put brick, metal, or stone beneath it, set up chairs at least three feet away from the pit, and keep at least 10 feet between your pit and houses. If your fire pit comes with a screen, use it to give you an extra layer of fire safety.
Watch the weather forecast.
Strong gusts could send sparks flying, so skip the pit when it's windy. If you live in a part of the country that's prone to wildfires, avoid using a fire pit when the conditions are ripe for starting one.
Choose the right fuel.
Propane or natural gas fire pits are easiest to turn on and off and result in fewer sparks. If you're burning wood, avoid using pine, cedar, or other soft woods that cause sparks, or leftover lumber from your building projects, which may have been treated with harmful chemicals.
Skip the fire enhancers.
Using lighting fluid or gasoline may make the fire harder to control. Instead, look up safe ways to start your fire with kindling such as paper.
Keep a hose (and other fire extinguishing options) handy.
Any time you have an open flame, make it easy to put it out fast. Make sure your garden hose, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, or even a bucket of water is right beside you.
Watch out for loose clothing.
If you're the person tending the fire, keep your hair tied back and wear tight-fitting clothing to ensure that a loose sleeve or lock of hair doesn't catch fire.
Don't leave the fire unattended.
Never let the fire go without someone watching it—even if it seems to be dying out. Make sure to pour water or shovel dirt over the last embers, and turn over logs to make sure that no fire remains.
Patio Heater Safety
Patio heaters have become so popular, they are practically a must-have accessory. Whether you opt for a small tabletop option or a restaurant-style overhead propane heater, you'll be able to take a little of the chill off. Just follow these tips to stay safe.
Check out the safety features.
Choose heating products that have been tested and labeled with UL and CSA safety certifications, and look for ones that feature tip-over switches and automatic shutoffs to help reduce the risk of a fire.
Pick a heater that's outdoor rated.
That means the heater's components are built to withstand the temperature changes (and inevitable rain) that come when they're outside.
Find a stable place to put your heater.
Set a patio heater on level ground—ideally a patio or deck. Putting it on grass or dirt could make for an unstable surface that could result in it falling over.
Consider your fuel source.
Most patio heaters either run on propane gas or electricity. Propane ones tend to provide stronger heat but are more expensive to run and require refilling propane tanks regularly. Electrical ones are easier to run but may not provide the power you need.
Follow the manufacturer's directions.
The owner's manual will give you all the information you need about where to place your heater in relation to your house, plants, and other potential fire hazards—generally, about two feet of distance is recommended.
Opt for more than one.
If you're planning on having a few groups over, consider investing in a couple of heaters so you don't have to huddle close together around the heater for warmth.
Don't take them indoors.
Most outdoor heaters (especially the propane ones) are not meant to be used indoors or under covered conditions. Using a propane heater inside could put you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Alternative Outdoor Heating Options
Fire pits, chimineas, and patio heaters may be hard to come by as the weather gets colder. But there are other safe options you could consider to keep everybody toasty.
Heated Seats and Seat Cushions
Generally, these are used by sports fans or hunters to keep warm when they're outdoors, but there's nothing stopping you from using them to make a backyard get-together more comfortable.
Heated Blankets or Wraps
Electric blankets or shawls can be used for single guests (or a couple with a larger blanket)—look for ones that can use USB power, so you can use a USB cell phone charger for wireless warmth.
Heated Jackets and Clothing
If you just need to keep a person or two warm, look for battery-powered jackets.
Hand Warmers
Consider springing for reusable ones that can be boiled and "recharged" or are battery-powered so you'll always have them at the ready to share with guests.
