Tips to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning after Lincoln’s big snowfall

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — With the first big snowfall in two years on Thursday, there’s a potential for dangerous gases to build up in your home.

People who have natural gas heating have to be aware of where the vent and intake lines are on their home.

If your vents are on the side of your house, it’s important to make sure snow and ice is cleared away by about a foot.

Lincoln Fire & Rescue says to make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors in every level of your home.

If the furnace can’t combust properly, not only can that cause CO to build up, but it can also damage the heating unit itself by causing a buildup of moisture.

Most units shut off automatically if they aren’t venting or getting the air intake they need, but that means your home isn’t getting heated.

It’s also important to clear away snow from the meter because the regulator attached to it needs to vent excess natural gas away from your home.

Not clearing it away could cause a gas leak.

If you smell natural gas, call Black Hills Energy to have everything checked out.