Why I Can Not Live Without a Dyna-Glo Kerosene Convection Heater

The winter of 2006 came into our area of southeastern Indiana with unseasonably mild temperatures. These uncharacteristically warm days would be followed with one of the most severe ice storms to hit our area in over twenty-five years.

Having been brought up in a household that was frugal by necessity, my mind often turns to thoughts of survival in worst case scenarios and what-if situations. Having watched the next day's weather forecast on the morning news I had a gut feeling that the ice storm was going to be a problem. The heating system in our home is entirely dependent on the flow of electricity from my power company. Instantly I began thinking of not only alternative heat sources, but affordable, and easy to acquire heat sources. The most practical solution to my potential dilemma seemed to be some sort of kerosene heater.

I began making calls and found what I thought would be a back up solution for just over a hundred dollars at my local Tractor Supply Store. In stock was a Dyna-Glow Portable Convection Kerosene Heater, labeled indoor safe, and claiming to heat up to a thousand square feet of living space for twelve hours on 1.9 gallons of kerosene fuel. The model I selected was RMC-95-C2 with a BTU output of 23,000. This unit required no electricity and has an easy to use automatic ignition system, and a One-Touch safety switch which shuts the Heater off if it is knocked over. A siphon pump and batteries for the starter ignition were included. The total weight of the unit was thirty pounds which was a workable weight for a relatively small adult female. Next I found a blue five gallon plastic kerosene fuel container and checked out. On the way home I filled the fuel jug up to its capacity.

The next day the storm started moving in. Ice storms in Indiana are really not that unusual, but this one would prove to be a challenge putting over ten thousand people over the county out of power for an extended period of time. I found myself closing off unneeded rooms, opening up cupboards and doors where there was plumbing, and lighting up the Dyna-Glo heater.