How do Amish heat their homes?

Amish heat their homes in a variety of ways. Most Amish use both heaters which run on propane or natural gas, as well as heating stoves which burn wood, coal, or oil. In Missouri, the majority of the Amish using stoves are more common among more conservative Amish.  Stoves are typically located in the basement or first floor. Vents in flooring and ducts may help circulate heat through the house in some Amish homes.  Amish who use firewood will cut their own or trade for it. In many conservative communities, a cooking stove may also serve as a source of heat. In addition, the gas lighting used by many Amish generates a considerable amount of heat as well.

Safety is a big concern that Amish must attend to whatever their heat source. They do not have smoke alarms. It takes the entire family to make sure everyone is safe. One of my friends, Levi, was refilling a kerosene lamp that went empty. While doing this, an amber was still on the wick, which ignited the fuel which burnt the arm that was holding the lamp while he pulled the fuel can away. He held onto it so that he could take it out of the building. After getting everything outside, he sat the lamp down and attended to his flaming arm. He was very lucky that he only received first and second degree burns. This happened in the spring of 2014 and Levi got the all clear from the English doctor in the fall of 2014. I have prayed a lot for his recovery.

#AllAboutAmish by #MissouriAmish

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