After Recent Snow Many Homes at Risk for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – Local Fire Departments are reminding residents to clear their fresh air intake and exhaust pipes around their homes from snow.

A blocked intake pipe or exhaust vent could result in carbon monoxide poisoning. The same is true for dryer vents.

More than 150 people in the U.S. die every year from accidental CO poisoning from generators or fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fireplaces.

Residents are encouraged to also have carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to provide an early warning of increasing CO levels. These alarms should be placed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.

If the alarm goes off, or you think you may have CO in your home, call 911.