With several inches of snowfall that happened recently, and with some snow still blowing and causing drifts, it’s easy for people to forget one element of their homes to keep clear of snow.

Jefferson Fire Chief Jack Williams reminds homeowners to clear snow from their air vents and intakes. He says if your heater vent is plugged, carbon monoxide can begin to vent into the home and if the intake is clogged, then snow can get into your furnace, causing damage. Williams explains carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that can cause health problems and even death inside your home.

“Once it starts backing up into the house, it fills the basement, and then raises up into the upper levels as it fills. Carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless, so you don’t know it’s there until normally it’s too late.”

He advises that if you can’t reach your vents to clear them of snow, contact someone who can to prevent issues from developing.