More than 100 Allentown homes are protected by carbon monoxide alarms thanks to International Association of Firefighters Local 302 and State Senator Pat Browne.
The alarms were handed out and distributed following a Friday afternoon news conference at Hibernia Fire Station.
"In the spirit of Fire Prevention Month and the beginning of the heating season, it is important to make the public aware of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide, and the importance of having detectors in every home," Said Jeremy Warmkessel, Local 302 IAFF President.
Senator Browne authored Act 121 of 2013, which expanded upon existing Carbon Monoxide Detector mandates in the Pennsylvania Building Codes. This included the disclosure of information regarding the installation of CO detectors on a property during the sale of residential buildings and mandates the installation of detectors in apartment and rental properties with a fossil fuel-burning heater/appliance, fireplace or an attached garage.
“Carbon Monoxide poses a mitigatable danger to all households. This is especially true in cities like Allentown where older homes and heating systems are more prevalent,” Senator Browne said. “Understanding these dangers and taking simple preventative steps, such as installing a carbon monoxide alarm, can alleviate these risks and ultimately save lives.”
Mayor O’Connell said, “I want to commend Senator Browne and the members of IAFF Local 302 for putting together this carbon monoxide detector distribution. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. According to the CDC, carbon monoxide poisoning claims more than 400 lives in the United States each year. There is no disputing that installing carbon monoxide detectors saves lives. I thank Senator Browne and Local 302 for their thoughtful and generous donation to residents of Allentown.
Allentown firefighters answered some 300-carbon monoxide related calls in 2018 and 2019. The department had eight incidents where residents were complaining of health issues which they attributed to the CO and were treated on the scene by EMS. Two individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for evaluation and treatment.
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