Snow-covered vents pose deadly risk, fire experts warn

Fire officials warn about the dangers of carbon monoxide with all this snow.

Fire officials remind residents to clear snow from vents around their homes following the past week’s snowstorms to prevent the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Blocked furnace vents can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide inside a home by preventing exhaust gases from escaping properly. Barrie Fire and Emergency Services warns that improperly vented water heaters, dryers, boilers, and furnaces can also cause this deadly gas to accumulate.

“There’s a potential for carbon monoxide buildup in your home, and what we do is we try to educate people about the importance of clearing those vents from your home, the outside area that’s typically around the side of your home to make sure that everything keeps working optimally,” said Kate Foster, public educator with Barrie Fire and Emergency Services.

Officials also recommend checking carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly. Carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every five to 10 years to maintain effectiveness.