FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - The French Village Fire Department has issued a safety advisory addressing the risks posed by extreme cold temperatures in the region, specifically regarding furnace exhaust vents. The department warned that vents can freeze or become blocked by ice or snow, potentially causing dangerous carbon monoxide buildup inside homes.
To prevent such hazards, residents are advised to check furnace exhaust and intake pipes daily during periods of extreme cold. The department recommends clearing snow and ice away from all vents and maintaining at least 2 to 3 feet of clearance around exterior vent pipes.
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Additionally, they caution against chipping ice with sharp objects, which could damage the vents.
The fire department also emphasized the importance of having working carbon monoxide alarms installed on every level of the home to ensure early detection of any harmful gas accumulation.
These precautions aim to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter months when heating systems are in heavy use.
