What Makes a Camping Heater Safe
Camping is just another way of reuniting with nature. No camping experience is better than safe and comfortable camping adventure. If you have invested much time, money and effort in preparing your other camping supplies, you should go over these safety tips for your camping heaters.
Look for popular brands, models and types of heaters. You can do your research online, read magazines, and ask experienced campers or friends who have had safe camping experiences with their heaters. One of the best brands in the market is Coleman Propane Catalytic Heater. If you have electricity source on the campsite, you may consider electric heaters. Otherwise, propane heaters are recommended especially for large tents. Both types are however used by most campers because they are literally flameless and thus eliminate the hassle and danger of building campfires.
Always consider quality over price. Cheaper heaters may be budget friendly but you should not compromise your safety. Cheap camping heaters usually are manufactured below the standards and may lead your camping experience to a tragic one. For maximum safety, always look for heater with Oxygen Depletion Sensor and low oxygen automatic shut-off system. It pays to consider the guarantee period coverage.
Even if you have been camping for years, do not ever skip reading the product manual. There could be modifications on the usual instructions or other safety precautions that the manufacturer opted to include. Always check for any leaks in the heater before even packing them for the camping. A good to detect leaks is by smelling. This is because propane gas gives off an odor similar to the smell of rotten eggs. Your heaters should be placed inside the camping tent at least six inches away from the side, one to four feet from the top and at least three feet in front. Anything with flammable materials like sleeping bags, clothes or plastic containers should be placed away from the heater.
Ensure that there is enough ventilation inside your tent. This is important when using propane heaters. Leave a window or vent open to allow air and moisture to circulate. Do not seal off every space to avoid suffocation and carbon monoxide poisoning. Never leave the heater unattended. Be aware of any sign of carbon monoxide poisoning like nausea dizziness and confusion. In the event that you experience any of these signs, switch off the heater immediately, leave the tent and evacuate to open area.
There is a huge difference in heaters. They are definitely not all created equally.