The safe use of propane and of propane appliances and equipment is vital during the winter months. The Department of Public Safety has seen an increase in blocked propane heater and appliance vents due to the recent cold snap here in the valley.
A blocked vent with snow or ice prevents the harmful and deadly carbon monoxide(CO) gas from escaping.
What is Carbon Monoxide? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Products and equipment powered by internal combustion engines such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers also produce CO.
The best time to prepare your home or residence for a winter storm is before it begins. However, once the snow is falling homeowners that use propane should take these steps:
-Keep snow and ice from accumulating on propane equipment.
-Be alert to snow buildup on rooftops and other areas.
-Keep vents clear.
-Clear driveways and pathways to propane tanks.
Appliance vents and chimney flues must ALWAYS be clear of snow or ice. Some homes may have direct vents, which are close to the ground. Improper venting can cause carbon monoxide to become trapped in your home, causing serious illness or even death.
WVDPS recommends everyone install and properly maintain a CO detector. CO alarms always have been and still are designed to alarm before potentially life-threatening levels of CO are reached. The safety standards for CO alarms have been continually improved and currently marketed CO alarms are not as susceptible to nuisance alarms as earlier models.
We had one today alert the homeowner that there was increasing CO levels in a bedroom where their grandchildren sleep!
WVDPS will investigate all CO detector activations with our own detector. Please be safe by keeping vents clear, and installing and maintaining a CO detector.
