Winter Safety Tips

It’s that time of year again in Northeast Pennsylvania, when blustery winds and expected and surprise snowfalls will be upon us. During these storms, high winds and blowing snow can drift against homes, making it hard to get around and causing serious safety hazards. Snow can block the vents along your home’s foundation, which can cause deadly gas to build up in the house. As a homeowner, it’s crucial to know where your vents are, check them often during snowstorms, and understand the dangers.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas, most often created by burning fuels such as wood, gasoline, propane, or charcoal. Appliances and fireplaces are designed to vent CO outdoors. When there’s a malfunction or blockage, they leak harmful gases indoors, causing carbon monoxide poisoning.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, fatigue, headache, and nausea. Longer or higher exposure may cause vomiting, blurred vision, and shortness of breath before loss of consciousness. When high levels build up and you notice symptoms, you may have only minutes to get out of the house before serious harm. Make sure you have CO detectors in your home, and change their batteries at least twice a year. Many videos and guides online explain how and where to install CO detectors.

Also clear the snow away from all doors, in case you need to leave your house quickly during an emergency.

Fire hydrants

Before you put that shovel away, clear the snow around fire hydrants too. When firefighters arrive at a fire, one of their first tasks is to find a water supply at the nearest hydrant, and every second counts. Deep snow, drifts, and passing snowplows can bury hydrants and make them hard to find and reach. A fire engine carries a limited amount of water, and its tank can run empty in two to three minutes without a hydrant.

Please clear 3 feet around the hydrant on all sides, down to the grass.

Consider helping elderly neighbors, or those with medical conditions, keep their vents and hydrants clear. The hydrant in their yard may be the one we need to protect your life and property.