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Snow Dangers And Carbon Monoxide from Simone of Abundant Home Inspection Services

Snow storms not only make driving conditions dangerous, but can present a danger to you and your family inside your home. Drifting snow can partially block chimneys, flues and vents, including the air intake/exhaust system of your furnace, boilers and water heaters.

If this happens, these fuel burning appliances can malfunction and allow Carbon Monoxide levels to increase to dangerous, and sometimes fatal levels inside your home.

If you suspect a blockage or another malfunction

1. DO NOT turn on Exhaust or Vent Fans because they remove the air (and oxygen) allowing Carbon Monoxide to build to higher levels.

2. DO open WINDOWS and DOORS to get as much fresh air into the house as possible.

Perform a visual inspection as soon as possible after a heavy snowfall to determine if winds have caused snow near the exhaust vent pipes and/or chimney. If you can, brush snow away from the vents and/or chimney. If you cannot clear the obstruction, don't wait for the snow to melt call your local fire department for assistance.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by all fuel burning appliance, including wood burning stove and fireplaces (gas, oil, wood).

During normal combustion, atoms of carbon in the burning fuel joins with two atoms of oxygen, forming a harmless gas called carbon dioxide. When there is a lack of oxygen the carbon links with only one atom of oxygen, forming carbon monoxide.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Carbon Monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. 1,500 people die annually due to accidental carbon monoxide exposure, and additional 10,000 seek medical attention.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING:  

It's important to realize that the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to flu symptoms.  Below are a list of symptoms associated with carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Burning eyes
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

Keep in mind that in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, several or all of the residents of a home may start experiencing the symptoms around the same time. Also note that the symptoms may disappear when people leave the affected area and breath fresh air again.

 We highly recommend you install carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home and if you have force air heating, in every bedroom.

If your Carbon Monoxide monitor sounds an alarm, open your windows and leave the house. If you are feeling drowsy or dizzy, call 911 from your neighbor's home. You may need medical attention for Carbon Monoxide poisoning.