For Release: 11/11/2009

Hunter "Heating" Safety from Wisconsin Public Service

Green Bay, WI - As thousands of eager hunters return to set up camp at that special "shack" in the woods, Wisconsin Public Service reminds those hunters to check heating equipment and make sure it's in good, safe operating condition.

"It's a good idea to include 'Check heating equipment' on your hunting to-do list as you embark on your annual hunt," advises Scott Henry, Gas Utilization Coordinator for Wisconsin Public Service. "That includes everything from checking all venting systems, as well as all supplemental heating units and fireplace chimneys."

"One of the best investments you can make as a hunter is to purchase, install and maintain a quality carbon monoxide (CO) detector and smoke detector for your cabin," added Henry. "This will help warn everybody if there is a problem in your residence." Henry advises to include a new set of batteries for your detectors as part of your hunting supplies, and be sure to test them to make sure they are working properly.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas that is odorless and tasteless and results in incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Any fuel burning equipment using wood, oil, propane, gasoline, kerosene or natural gas can produce dangerous and even lethal levels of carbon monoxide if not vented properly.

Henry advises checking chimney flues thoroughly before firing up the fireplace. "Critters can build nests or leaves can sometimes collect in the chimney and remain unseen, thus blocking the flue and not allowing for proper ventilation," he said.

Another recent concern is the use of supplemental, or portable heating units to keep hunters warm. "If used properly, the portable heaters can work great," according to Henry. "But they should only be used for their intended purpose. And it's critical that manufacturer's directions are followed."

Unvented and portable heaters come in many shapes and sizes, including kerosene and gas space heaters, wall heaters, fireplaces and fuel oil torpedo-shaped heaters. They are commercially available in many retail outlets. The Wisconsin Department of Commerce code prohibits the use of unvented heaters in occupied spaces. Improper combustion air supply and ventilation can result in contamination from CO, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde and other combustion related contaminants and water vapor build ups. (Specific rules and regulations governing unvented heaters are found in the Wisconsin Department of Commerce Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Standards, Chapter comm.. 23.04 (1-b).

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