|
Residents
told to check sewer vents
By
LETA NOLAN CHILDERS
Capital Journal Staff
Wednesday, January 12,
2005
It’s that time of year
again. With extremely cold weather and gale-force winds predicted for the area,
it’s time to check sewer vents to make sure they aren’t frozen over.
Pierre Fire Chief Greg Baker said that if vents are allowed to become blocked it
could lead to serious consequences such as the buildup of noxious gases.
“These gases could enter the home,” said Baker, “and cause poisoning,
asphyxiation or become an explosion or fire hazard.”
One of the common indicators that a sewer vent is blocked is the odor--no matter
how faint--of rotten eggs. Sewer gases contain highly toxic components such as
hydrogen sulfide, methane and ammonia.
Hydrogen sulfide--the gas that smells like the bad eggs--will cause symptoms
such as irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract. Symptoms also include
nervousness, dizziness, nausea, headache and drowsiness.
Because of its nature, hydrogen sulfide can quickly diminish the sense of smell
so one might think that the odor has gone away when it has actually become even
more intense.
So if the smell of rotten eggs is present, Baker advises evacuating, taking
fresh breaths of air and then returning to see if the odor remains. High levels
of hydrogen sulfide can cause immediate loss of consciousness and death.
Methane can accumulate in basements, making it like a rocket just waiting for a
match--highly explosive. It causes many of the same symptoms as hydrogen
sulfide.
Neighbors can help neighbors by keeping on eye on roof vents. Or, according to
Baker, a friend or plumber can assist. The vents should remain free of ice and
snow and basement floor vents should be full of water.
With the predicted forecast of ice and snow, it is even more important to check
to see that vents are cleared. Vents can freeze within minutes, trapping harmful
gases.
Story by: LETA
NOLAN CHILDERS
Capital Journal, Pierre, SD
www.capitaljournal.com
For more information about the Pierre Fire
Department, e-mail the PFD
webmaster.
|
