HARRISBURG, PA — Legislation that would enact standards for carbon monoxide alarms in various existing buildings and properties was signed into law on December 17 by Governor Tom Corbett. The author of the bill in the House was representative Frank Farry. “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.”

The new CO detector law, similar to the requirement for smoke alarms, would require multifamily dwellings with a fossil-fuel-burning heater/appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage to be equipped with an operational, centrally located and approved carbon monoxide alarm.

“In my 23 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.”