Cold and snowy weather can produce dangers in the home

Some residents are staying home today because offices and businesses are closed. The extreme cold weather makes this a good choice for staying safe. Here at the fire department, we never close. Today, we are asking residents to check the exhaust vent piping for your furnace and hot water tank (if natural/propane gas).

The extreme cold can produce ice build up on these pipes from the moisture in the exhaust gases. Drifting snow can also block these exhaust pipes and cause carbon monoxide (CO) to build up in your home. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer that is colorless and odorless. It builds up in the body, clings to the red blood cells. It blocks oxygen from reaching the organs and other vital parts of the body.

Smoke detectors do NOT detect carbon monoxide. Combination smoke/CO detectors and stand-alone CO detectors will alarm when dangerous levels of CO are reached.

If you don’t have a smoke or CO detector in your home, call the business office of your local fire department and request one. If you live in the Graafschap Fire Department service area, please call us at 616-396-4060. You can also send us an email at chief@graafschapfire.com. Detectors and installation are offered for FREE from GFD as part of our Community Risk Reduction program.