To prevent CO from filling the inside of the car, be sure to clear snow from your car tailpipe.
~Photo courtesy of Lorraine Fitzmaurice

After heavy snowfall like we have gotten, please be sure to check that the vents and flues on the outside of your home – and your car tailpipe – are clear of snow and ice. Blocked vents or tailpipes can trap carbon monoxide (CO) in your home or car and cause CO poisoning. CO is colorless and odorless, and breathing in high levels can be fatal.

Take a walk around the outside of your home to check vents for appliances like your furnace, water heater, and dryer, and clear away any snow buildup. Pay special attention to vents that are low to the ground, which can get buried in accumulated snow or snow drifts. Vents can also be covered by shoveled snow piles, so make sure to check your vents a few times during snow cleanup.

If you suspect CO exposure or your home’s alarms sound:
Get outside to fresh air immediately.
Call 911 from a cell phone or a neighbor’s house.

If you have symptoms, seek medical help. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light headedness or headache.

Visit  the Somerville Office of Emergency Management and Somerville Fire Department websites for more safety information like this.