Free Carbon Monoxide Alarms at Langhorne Firehouse

The Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company is hosting a special event Friday morning highlighting a recently signed law introduced by State Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks). 

Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and later in the day between 4 and 6 p.m., visitors can receive a free carbon monoxide alarm supplied by Kidde, while supplies last.

Rep. Farry will be joined by Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers, Kim Everett, coalition coordinator for Bucks County Safe Kids Coalition; Donald Konkle, executive director for Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute, a representative from Middletown Township’s Office of the Fire Marshal and other emergency personnel to kick off the event at 11 a.m.

Passed in December, the new carbon monoxide detector law, similar to the requirement for smoke alarms, would require multifamily 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. 

“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.” 

Before the bill's passage, the Pennsylvania building code only required newly constructed homes that have fossil fuel-burning heaters or appliances and/or an attached garage to have a carbon monoxide detector. 

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. 

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. 

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

The event takes place Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. at the Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company, 1741 Langhorne Yardley Road, Langhorne.