U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7th Dist.) came to Somerset County to announce the introduction of the federal Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act.
BERNARDS - U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7th Dist.) visited the Liberty Corner Fire House Tuesday to announce the introduction of the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act.
Lance told the fire company and other local officials that he is introducing the bill in Congress after a string carbon monoxide incidents - including a successful rescue by the Liberty Fire Company after a Basking Ridge family was awoken by a carbon monoxide detector.
"Carbon monoxide is a silent killer - you cannot see it, smell it or taste it," Lance said. "And too many of these incidents are hitting close to home here in New Jersey.
"Thanks to detection and the work of this Fire Company we did not have a tragedy in Basking Ridge, but many are not so lucky. My legislation will help prevent CO poisoning through the installation of CO detectors and other efforts. Lives depend on our action here today."
The legislation will authorize a grant program to help states prevent carbon monoxide poisonings through the installation of carbon monoxide detectors and other efforts.
Carbon monoxide poisoning kills 3
"The Liberty Corner Fire Company responds to a good number of carbon monoxide alarms each year including the incident referenced by our Congressman," said Ken White, chief of the Liberty Corner Fire Company. "The proactive and pragmatic approach he has outlined will ensure working detectors in public places and for those who may not be able to afford them otherwise.
"I support his efforts in introducing this bill, and thank him for his support of the people of our state, county and Bernards Township."
Under this program, grant funding would be prioritized for states like New Jersey.
It will also:
- Promote the purchase and installation of carbon monoxide detectors in residential homes and dwellings nationwide, as well as the need for many other public facilities to have carbon alarm systems.
- Encourage states to require residential carbon monoxide detection devices and establishes a federal grant program to provide assistance for installing alarms in schools and the homes of low-income and senior citizens.
- Outlines and defines approved and effective devices that meet rigorous safety standards.
Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning death in the United States. A carbon monoxide alarm or detector is a cost effective way to detect this gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen whenever a fuel-burning appliance such as a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, stove, oven or generator is used improperly or malfunctions. Other common household sources of carbon monoxide include fireplaces and vehicles left running in attached garages.
The bill has been endorsed by the National Association of State Fire Marshals, the Congressional Fire Services Institute and several business groups including the National Manufacturers Association and the Security Industry Association.