Clearing Vents & Snowpiles for Carbon Monoxide

Barb Murphy has a new motto for living in Haliburton during snowy winters: Keep the snow low. Recently, the Ingoldsby resident had an unpleasant surprise when he carbon monoxide alarms went off one evening and the gauges measured dangerous levels of CO2 in her home.Murphy, who considers herself a capable and independent sort, was shocked the alarms went off, but immediately took action. She opened all her windows and doors then called 911. Minden Fire Chief Don Kruger arrived first, then another two fire trucks and crews came to investigate. After testing and re-testing the levels of CO2, they discovered the culprit — a huge snow wall that prevented the fumes from escaping the outdoor vents. While the vents were clear, the snow wall trapped the gas and it reentered Murphy's home.In the clear now, Murphy is grateful to the fire crews who kept her safe and recommends everyone go the extra mile in clearing snow around vents and keep nearby snow piles from getting too high.