Schumer Successfully Negotiates the Donation of 200 Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Buffalo Snowstorm Victims

Schumer Successfully Negotiates The Donation Of 200 Carbon Monoxide Detectors For Buffalo Snowstorm Victims

As Residents Without Power Try To Heat Their Homes With Gas Generators And Gas Stoves, High Levels Of Carbon Monoxide Have Become Deadly

Donated Detectors Will Keep More Residents Safe From The Dangerous Gasses

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that First Alert is donating 200 alarms for snowstorm victims and he urged Buffalo residents to use caution following several deadly incidents of accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Local hospitals have seen several cases of accidental CO poisoning in residents who have attempted to heat their homes with gas generators and by turning on the burner to their gas stoves. CO detectors will be provided to the fire chief at City of Buffalo Fire Head Quarters for distribution to families in need.

"These carbon monoxide detectors are essential for the health and safety of Buffalonias who lost power after the snowstorm," Schumer said. "Until the heat and power are restored throughout the area, people will look for alternative ways to stay warm including bringing their gas generators inside and turning on their gas stoves. Carbon Monoxide poisoning has already led to fatalities in the area and we cannot afford to let others get sick when there are detectors out there to prevent these tragedies."

Following last week's snowstorm thousands were left without power and heat. In an effort to heat their homes, residents began bringing their gas generators into their houses and turning on their gas stoves and left them running overnight or for long periods of time. These generators and stoves emit carbon monoxide which is poisonous when it becomes concentrated and high levels inside a confined space. Three fatalities in Buffalo have already been linked to carbon monoxide poisoning along with over 170 who have been hospitalized by breathing these deadly gasses.

First Alert has agreed to donate 200 FCD3 Basic Battery operated CO detectors to the City of Buffalo. These detectors will be delivered overnight directly to the City's fire chief at the City of Buffalo Fire Headquarters. BRK Brands, Inc., is a fully owned subsidiary of Jarden Corporation a leading provider of niche consumer products used in and around the home. For nearly 40 years, BRK Brands, Inc. has been the manufacturer of First Alert®-branded home-safety products including smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and escape ladders. Such products are also manufactured and marketed under the BRK Electronics® brand for the builder and contractor audiences. BRK Brands, Inc. products are found in more than 30 countries worldwide

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas and can come from a malfunctioning fuel-burning appliance, such as a furnace, water heater, gas oven or range, blocked flue or vent. Because it cannot be seen, tasted or smelled, carbon monoxide is extremely difficult to detect. CO can become deadly when high levels accumulate in confined spaces. Today's energy-efficient, air-tight homes contribute to the problem by trapping CO-polluted air inside the home. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), at least one CO alarm should be installed on every level of the home. Three fatalities in Buffalo have already been linked to accidental CO poisoning and another 170 area residents have been hospitalized after becoming ill. Signs of CO poisoning include flu-like symptoms: headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Residents are urged to use caution when utilizing alternative heat sources and to take precautions, like installing a carbon monoxide alarm

http://schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/record.cfm?id=264879&&year=2006&