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Can a candle in your car keep you from freezing?

A candle produces a great deal of heat, Mann said. It can be used to help keep the inside of the car warm, but Mann cautioned to burn the candle inside of the coffee can and to open one window slightly. ''You have to be very careful not to start a fire in the car,'' Mann said.

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State Police Master Sgt. Cliff Mann has a New Year`s suggestion for Illinois drivers. He would like to see them carry a few extra things in their trunk this winter. ''With just a little preparation, you can save your life,'' said Mann, an 18-year State Police veteran. ''Right now, put a blanket in the trunk and take a coffee can and put a few supplies in it and store it with the blanket.'' Illinois has not been hit by a paralyzing storm this winter, but it could happen any day, Mann said. When snow and cold hit the highways it can make a simple trip a life-threatening activity. ''When most people travel, they dress to go from the house to the car, so if they have car trouble or get stuck in the snow, they simply are not dressed for it,'' Mann said. ''A basic rule is to stay in your car. Unless you can see the building to which you plan to walk, don`t leave your car,'' Mann said.

Mann suggests that if your car becomes stuck in snow that you:

- Stay with the car. Run it for 10 minutes out of each hour, and vent a window slightly.

- Carry a blanket or two in the trunk.

- In a coffee can, carry a couple of big candles and matches along with some candy bars, boxes of raisins and extra hats and mittens. A candle produces a great deal of heat, Mann said. It can be used to help keep the inside of the car warm, but Mann cautioned to burn the candle inside of the coffee can and to open one window slightly. ''You have to be very careful not to start a fire in the car,'' Mann said. ''If you run the car for 10 minutes out of each hour, it can keep the temperature up, but make sure that the exhaust is not covered with snow.'' Keep your gasoline tank full, Mann said, because it cuts down on the possibility of condensation forming in the tank, which could freeze in subzero weather. ''Some people carry a bag of sand, shovels and pieces of carpeting in the trunk,'' Mann said. ''But if you have any thoughts about digging your car out, be sure that you are in good health. It is exhausting work. You have to be careful that you don`t have a heart attack.'' ''Be prepared, that is the main thing,'' Mann said. ''Almost every winter we have cases where someone will freeze in their car or while attempting to walk for help, or die of asphyxiation in their car.'' If you see a car in a ditch or on the side of the road where the occupants may need help, call the nearest police department and let them know the location, Mann said.

Authorities also suggest that you check weather and road conditions before traveling.

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Are there any heaters that don't require electricity?

Gas heaters burn fuel such as propane, natural gas or kerosene. One big difference and benefit of gas space heaters is that they won't be affected during a power outage, since they don't use electricity.

Electric vs. Gas Space Heaters

There are several types of space heaters. The two most common are electric space heaters and gas space heaters. Electric heaters convert electrical energy into heat. Gas heaters burn fuel such as propane, natural gas or kerosene. One big difference and benefit of gas space heaters is that they won’t be affected during a power outage, since they don’t use electricity. But gas heaters also usually have more safety considerations. When choosing a heater for your home, there are many things to consider. Some heaters are more cost efficient and are just better choices for your particular space. Check out some of the benefits and drawbacks for various types of heaters.

Fan Heaters

Offers high energy efficiency.

Use in enclosed areas.

Requires no venting.

Safest option for portable heating.

Other Considerations:

Costs more to operate than gas units.

Requires an electrical outlet.

Takes longer to warm up.

Doesn't provide heat during power outages.

Propane Heaters:

Costs up to 50 percent less to operate than electric.

Offers greater portability.

Functions during power outages.

Heats up quickly.

Other Considerations:

Requires higher initial investment.

Requires adequate ventilation.

Use only in open areas.

Creates noise when fuel flows and ignites.

Electric Wall Heaters:

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