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Farry’s CO2 Bill Becomes Law

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By

Jeff Bohen
Submitted:
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A measure achieving  benchmarks  for carbon monoxide alarms in existing buildings and properties was signed into law earlier this month by the governor, said Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks), author of the House of Representatives’ version of the bill, a press release states.

“Senator Browne and I introduced legislation in the House and Senate to ensure this important issue was addressed,” Farry said. “This bipartisan, bicameral effort will help protect more Pennsylvania residents against the silent killer.”

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The new CO detector law, similar to the requirement for smoke alarms, necessitates  multifamily dwellings with a fossil fuel-burning heater/appliances, fireplace, or an attached garage to be provided with an operational, centrally located and approved carbon monoxide alarm, a press release said.

Bristol Borough Fire Chief Herb Slack said “the law is clearly a step forward in protecting the residents of Pennsylvania.  I would like to see it extended to provide coverage to all residences including single family dwellings.”
“In my twenty-three years with the Langhorne-Middletown Fire Department, I have personally responded to calls where a carbon monoxide detector saved someone’s life,” said Farry. “As a result of our sometimes harsh winters, Pennsylvania residents must continue to rely on fossil fuel burning units to heat their homes and these heat sources, unfortunately, increase the chance of exposure carbon monoxide gas.”
Currently, the Pennsylvania building code only requires newly constructed homes that have fossil fuel-burning heaters or appliances and/or an attached garage to have a carbon monoxide detector, the release says.

The requirements in Act 121 of 2013 will officially take effect in June 2015. However, Farry recommended homeowners not wait for the law to take effect.

“I applaud our legislators for writing and passing this law. Carbon monoxide detectors will provide a significant increase in safety for the residents in multifamily dwelling,” said Bristol Township Fire Marshal Kevin Dipilito.

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Thirty-five states have already enacted carbon monoxide alarm requirements. However, Pennsylvania was one of the few remaining cold weather states that did not have a law requiring the use of carbon monoxide detectors in the home. Pennsylvania also leads the nation in carbon monoxide-related poisonings and deaths.

“Homeowners shouldn’t wait for this bill to take effect,” Farry said  “This basic, inexpensive device can mean the difference between life and death.”

Jeff Bohen

Jeff Bohen

Jeff Bohen is a former member of LevittownNow.com’s staff. Jeff was born and raised on the streets of Brooklyn, New York. He is an avid New York sports fan who studied and worked in the Mental Health system of four different states. Jeff came to journalism late in life initially desiring to be a sports broadcaster. Mentors at Temple University Dept of Journalism pointed Jeff towards broadcasting and covering news which he’s been doing since 2009. Jeff loves heavy metal, signs and is the best air guitarist he knows. Jeff spends his free time stalking out stories throughout the nooks and crannies of Lower Bucks.