Winter Cautions with Carbon Monoxide

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As the snow piles up and temperatures hit below freezing, the heating systems in our homes start to put in some serious work. Everything from water heaters and vents, to generators and warming up cars. As Brian Dwyer reports, you have to be very careful to avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, which can cause sudden illness and death. Find out more on how to prevent CO poisoning on the CDC's website.

It's called the silent killer. You can't see carbon monoxide. You can't smell it. You can't even taste it in the air.

"Our body has an affinity to use carbon monoxide to replace the oxygen in our body," Herman said about why it's so dangerous.

It can hit you in minutes. That's the danger. In the winter months, that danger can be anywhere. As we crank up the furnace and the hot water heaters, one bad pipe, one gap or rust hole and that gas gets into our air.

Watertown Fire Department officials said a professional should take a look at least once a year.

"I don't think it's that expensive. It's a good insurance policy that number one, your furnace is going to work when you need it and number two, they'll pick up those issues that you typically wouldn't," Watertown Fire Captain and public education officer Theodore Kolb said.

You also need to check the outside vent that gas goes to. If it's not a chimney, there's a chance it's lower on the outer wall of your home. Any blockage and that gas gets shoved right back in your air.

"Now that the snow has been pushed up against the home, you've got to make sure those vents are kept clear for incoming air and exhaust air," Chief Herman added.

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Winter Cautions with Carbon Monoxide