WINTER SAFETY ALERT: KEEP EXHAUST VENTS CLEAR OF SNOW

Copyright 2026 © Weathersafehome.org. All rights reserved.

With heavy snow falling across much of the country, it's important to remember to keep home exhaust vents clear. 

Keeping exhaust vents clear of snow isn’t just about home maintenance – it’s about protecting your family’s safety and your home’s integrity. Before the snow even starts to fall, take a walk around your home and be sure you know where all of your vents are.  Once they have been buried in the snow, they will be much harder to find.

During a snow event, there are several important home exhaust vents that you need to keep clear: vents for your furnace, water heater, dryer, and bathroom fans. These vents serve a critical purpose: removing dangerous gases like carbon monoxide (CO), excess moisture, and other wasteproducts from your home. If these vents are blocked by snow, harmful substances have nowhere to go except back into your home. 

CO, often called the “silent killer,” is particularly concerning. This oderless, colorless gas can build up rapidly when furnace or water heater vents are blocked, potentially leading to severe illness or worse. Similarly, blocked dryer vents not only reduce your appliance’s efficiency but can also create fire hazards as lint and heat build up in the system.

Once the snowfall ends, be sure to take a walk around your home and check all external vents. Clear away any snow buildup, ensuring there’s at least a foot of clear space around each vent. Pay special attention to vents near ground level, which can become buried as snow accumulates, blows around into drifts, or gets pushed aside during snow plowing, shoveling, or roof raking.

Remember, this isn’t a one-and-done task. During periods of heavy snow or drifting, check your vents multiple times per day.  It’s a small investment of time that could save lives. By knowing where your vents are and keeping them clear, you’re not just making your home weathersafe – you’re protecting your family’s safety.