Are kerosene heaters the best, or only source of heat in an emergency?

Someone posted something about testing out kerosene heaters and lamps on the long-term prep forum, and it got me thinkin'.

I've been through a blizzard with the power out and no source of heat. At earliest opportunity, purchased a kerosene heater. Used it a bunch of times, but even with the window cracked open a little, it was smelly and seemed dangerous.

Now I have a fireplace, but live in a townhouse, where space and association rules make it impossible to store more than a little firewood or Duraflame logs.

The winters here are cold, and ice storms with power outages happen regularly.

Are there any other practical sources of heat? (unit and fuel easily stored, not too dangerous re fumes and tip-over risk, etc.)