Heavy Snowfall Prompts Carbon Monoxide Warning 

Fire Marshal Bill Halstead has issued a public safety reminder about the hazards of carbon monoxide (CO) build-up in enclosed places.

Due to the heavy accumulation and drifting of snow locally and throughout the state, residents should be aware of a common problem found with furnaces and other heating systems in the storm’s aftermath, according to the fire marshal.

“The problem encountered by many home owners occurs when snow blocks furnace fresh air intakes and exhaust vents,” Mr Halstead said.

“This can cause improper combustion or venting within the furnace or, in some cases, can cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to accumulate inside the home,” he said.

Newer heating systems are more vulnerable to these issues due to the location of these vents, which are installed much lower on the side wall of a home than in the past.

Homeowners can take the following precautions to ensure their safety:

—Have a properly operating CO detector.

—Keep the fresh air intake and exhaust vent area free from snow or ice build-up.

Homeowners can find the inlets and outlets of their furnaces by looking at the heating equipment and following the intake back to where it penetrates the wall. Then check this area outside to ensure no snow is blocking the vents.

Residents are reminded to keep alert for symptoms of CO exposure. Symptoms and effects vary between individuals, even at the same level of CO exposure, according to the fire marshal, but people typically experience flulike symptoms, including dizziness, fatigue, weakness, headache or vomiting, trouble breathing, or confusion.

If anyone suspects symptoms from CO exposure, they should evacuate the home and call firefighters.

Newtown’s fire companies are equipped to check for this dangerous condition and can also provide residents with assistance in keeping their homes CO free.