Mary Smithson suffered a “terrible loss” several years ago at the hand of carbon monoxide. The Bucks County woman lost aunt and uncle in western Pennsylvania to medical issues caused by carbon monoxide which filled the nursing home they lived in.
On Friday, she praised a new state law regarding carbon monoxide alarm requirements.
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Carbon monoxide injures roughly 20,000 people in the United State every year and kills many others. The odor-less gas can cause brain damage and death.
State Rep. Frank Farry invited local officials and members of the community to the Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company’s substation by Maple Point Middle School in Middletown on Friday. There, he talked about the new law and helped distributed 100 free carbon monoxide detectors.
“The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning carries deadly consequences in the nation and here in the Commonwealth,” Farry said. “This new law in Pennsylvania was designed to further protect homeowners and new homebuyers and renters against these damaging effects.”
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The Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standards Act was championed by Farry, who has served with the Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company for more than 20 years. The act was signed into law in December and takes effect in June 2015.
The Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standards Act requires multi-family dwellings with a fossil fuel-burning heater/appliance, fireplace or an attached garage to be equipped with an operational, centrally located and approved carbon monoxide alarm. The law was applauded by local fire officials.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
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Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers praised Farry’s work in pushing the law. Ayers drove from Philadelphia in 2012 to speak in support of the law when state lawmakers held a hearing about the law in Middletown.
Middletown Fire Marshal Jim McGuire said carbon monoxide calls in the township are common.
“You don’t know when carbon monoxide is all around you. You can’t hear or taste it. It’s odorless and colorless, when suffering the effects, quite often, you feel like you’re getting the flu. It’s important for all homes to be equipped with these life-saving devices.”
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Both Ayers and McGuire said carbon monoxide said the new law will hopefully prevent calls and deaths related to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Fire safety product manufacturer Kidde donating carbon monoxide detectors to the fire company. Residents came throughout the day to get the live-saving tools.
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The law is expected to save lives throughout the state.
