Senator Stachowski Joins Firefighting Community to Announce Amanda’s Law

Senator Stachowski Joins Firefighting Community to Announce Amanda’s Law
February 18, 2010
 
Senator William Stachowski joined State Fire Administrator Floyd Madison, legislator Mark Schroeder and West Seneca resident Ken Hansen, and Kidde, a leading manufacturer of residential fire safety products, at a press conference to raise awareness of “Amanda’s Law.”  

Amanda’s Law is named after 16-year-old Amanda Hansen, who died from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning last January.  The law, which goes into effect February 22, requires CO alarms to be installed in all new and existing one and two-family dwellings, multifamily dwellings and rentals having a fuel-burning appliance, system or attached garage. Previously, New York required CO alarms only in new construction and upon a home’s sale.

“After Amanda’s death, Senator Stachowski and I felt that we needed to do something to honor her memory and prevent this tragedy from happening to others,” said Assemblyman Schroeder, sponsor of Amanda’s Law. “The original law offered protection for new homeowners, but left many families unprotected.”

“We hope this new law will help keep all residents safer by encouraging them to install CO alarms in their homes,” added Senator Stachowski.

During the press conference, Kidde announced a donation of 2,000 carbon monoxide alarms to the state’s Risk Watch program.  Developed by the National Fire Protection Association, Risk Watch provides elementary-aged school children and their families the skills and knowledge they need to create safer homes and communities.  

“Kidde is proud to work with New York’s Office of Fire Prevention on this alarm donation,” said Chris Rovenstine, director of sales and marketing for Kidde, which is part of UTC Fire & Security, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). “After learning about CO safety in school, children often become the safety educator for their whole family, and pass their enthusiasm onto their parents.  Risk Watch has the potential to truly save lives.” 

A new public service announcement (PSA) featuring New York State Fire Administrator Floyd Madison, which reminds families about the new law and the dangers of CO poisoning, was also featured at the event.  Underwritten by Kidde, the PSA will air on television stations across the state.

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Produced when fuel is burned, carbon monoxide is emitted by common fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and stoves.  Additional sources may include improperly ventilated generators, space heaters, fireplaces, barbecue grills, and car exhaust.

“The only safe way to detect this colorless, odorless gas in your home is with a carbon monoxide alarm,” said Ken Hansen, father of Amanda Hansen.  “My hope is that Amanda’s Law will help protect other families from losing loved ones to carbon monoxide poisoning.  If you don’t have a CO alarm in your home, I urge you to install one today.”

For more information about the new law and how to protect your family from carbon monoxide, visit www.COAlarmLaw.com.

About Kidde
As a leading fire safety manufacturer, Kidde’s mission is to provide solutions that protect people and property from the effects of fire and its related hazards. For more than 90 years, Kidde’s residential and commercial division has offered superior fire safety technology in its smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and other life-safety products.  Based in Mebane, N.C., Kidde is part of UTC Fire & Security, a division of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX).  UTC Fire & Security is a leading global supplier of fire safety and security services, serving government, industrial, commercial and retail industries. For more information, visit www.kidde.com.