Chimney Clogged in Snow

Dangers

• When the chimney becomes clogged with a large amount of snow, the smoke from the fireplace fills your home. You may notice an overwhelming smoky odor, or you might see the smoke. If you experience confusion or low levels of energy, there may be a buildup of carbon monoxide. You cannot see or smell carbon monoxide, which makes it one of the biggest dangers. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause unconsciousness and death.

Solution

• If you suspect that snow or ice has clogged the chimney opening, you may need to climb up onto the roof and shovel the snow away from the chimney. While it may appear that the snow is blocking the opening, the snow may be resting on top of sticks, debris and leaves. Shine a flashlight down the chimney to look for any debris. Contact a professional to clean the inside of the chimney to remove these obstructions. Cleaning the chimney yourself requires a lot of physical labor, and it can be dangerous if you do not have any experience.

Prevention

• Examine the chimney regularly to look for clogs. Hire a professional to clean soot and debris from your chimney before you use it each winter. If you worry about clogs happening, install a guard on the top of the chimney. A guard or chimney cap usually consists of a mesh screen that prevents birds from nesting and sticks from falling down into the chimney. The screen will need cleaned occasionally to remove leaves and other debris.

Tips

• Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. The detector will let you know if there is a buildup of carbon monoxide so you can take immediate action to protect your family. Always evacuate the house immediately if you detect carbon monoxide. If you decide to clean the chimney yourself, remember to block the opening with plastic or cloth to prevent the debris from entering your home. Remove any obstructions with a chimney brush and always wear goggles, gloves and a mask to protect your health.