Lone farmer in no-go zone sticks to defiant existence
May 22, 2012 | Matsumura's
home is around 12 km southwest of the Tokyo
Electric Power Co. plant that was hit by meltdowns and explosions after the quake and tsunami. He decided to stay where he grew up even after the entire town ended up in the exclusion zone set up April 22 because of the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 power plant. Before the massive quake last year, the town had around 15,000 residents. On March 11 last year, when the earthquake struck, he was operating a road paving machine at a construction site on the Joban Expressway. Matsumura, who is single, had been making a living as a construction worker while helping his parents on their farm. After losing contact with the site supervisor, he came home alone by truck on a quake-damaged road. The no-go zone bans entry to areas 20 km from the plant. After the core meltdowns, his parents moved to Shizuoka Prefecture, where his older sister lives. But he decided to stay on, thinking: "Why in the world do I have to leave here on account of Tepco.
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May 22, 2012 | MIAMISBURG, Ohio () - The combination of a kerosene heater and a construction crew destroyed a Miamisburg home Monday morning. Fire broke out about about 7:00am on Cottage Avenue. Firefighters say a worker tipped over a heater onto a mattress.
May 22, 2012 | Area residents scrambled for generators, batteries, lanterns, kerosene heaters and bottled water last week, emergency preparedness checklist items many didn't have on their pantry shelves when the storm hit on March 2. Locals now look back at last
May 22, 2012 | CO may be produced from any furnace fired by fuel, wood stoves, kerosene heaters, gas stoves, and fireplaces. Other common sources include exhaust from motor vehicles, and emissions from charcoal grills and fuel-powered yard equipment.
May 22, 2012 | "A kerosene heater and a can of beans on it," Wilkinson said. "No running water. No bathroom. Nothing. Just a tool shed." "You wouldn't live there. I wouldn't live there," he said. Then with the help of Pastor Ron Stroupe of Hope Center Ministries they
May 22, 2012 | noon on March 12 to say someone rang his doorbell, and when the man didn't answer, the guest began stealing some scrap metal from the man's yard, including three or four 50-pound hooks, an old kerosene heater and a stainless steel double sink.
We have a new kerosene heater, is it alright to use the kerosene that one already has?
Jan 31, 2007 by mlynnej
I have been using an upright kerosene heater. Due to the warm weather here in NC, I have not had a chance to crank it up. But I have recently purchased a new flat top kerosene heater. I have some left over kerosene from last winter and was wondering if it would alright to use the kerosene that I have on hand or would it be prudent to go and get some new or have some new mixed in with the old?
I would like some answers ASAP for a winter storm warning is in effect for tomorrow in my area. Thank you all.
Please keep in mind -- there is the danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning with ANY open flame combustion.
Pay attention to the warnings on the packaging and on the unit.
Open flame space heaters, such as a kerosene heater, need to be used in a WELL VENTILATED space. A HEADACHE, or feeling of drowsiness are among the FIRST SYMPTOMS of overexposure to CO. Carbon Monoxide is invisible, and odorless.... Please do not operate this unit without a CO detector in the room. It could save your life.
With the recent power outages across Missouri, many people were using portable generators. One family had a generator in their garage. The wife went out to fill the tank... and was dead before she reached the generator... that is how quickly CO in an enclosed space can kill.
Interestingly -- Most manufactured home builders will VOID your warranty, if you use a Kerosene heater in a mobile or modular home.
As to the kerosene you mention, any flammable liquid can absorb water (most often by condensation inside the container), and this will cause the fuel to burn less efficiently, and to smoke more. My personal solution to this, would be to set the heater OUTSIDE, and burn the old fuel up. Then start with some fresh fuel...again.... burning it for a while OUTSIDE, to make sure the old fuel had been completely consumed. Naturally, you want to do this in a safe location.
I personally prefer to use electric space heaters (ceramic, or oil-contained - radiant) and a generator. The generator can also help power your refrigerator, and/or some lights, depending on it's size. I place the generator OUTSIDE the home, and run a very heavy duty extension cord to inside the home. This keeps my family warm, with lights, and safe from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Be Safe (and good luck with the storm)
Is the Duraheat Kerosene heater from Home Depot a good buy?
May 22, 9877 by nickacarroll
I want to get a kerosene heater for emergencies. Is this a good one, or should I stay away from it?
The danger from fire is very high with kerosene. Seven people died a week ago in Philli from explosion and fire from gasoline in kerosene heater. Consumes room air, not allowed in bedrooms. The cost of kerosene is high. For emergencies, "Any port in a storm", any heat is better than no heat. I buy lots from Home Depot, get one that has not been opened.