FARMINGTON, Conn., Aug. 25 -- Odorless, colorless and tasteless, carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the leading causes of accidental poisoning deaths in America. Despite this, only about 25 percent of American homes have carbon monoxide alarms. Current Connecticut law requires CO alarms in newly built homes only, notes Bill Brown, president of UTC Fire & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp.
"Homeowners should not assume that their home is up to the latest safety standards. Every home -- whatever its age -- should, at a minimum, be equipped with basic fire and life safety equipment including CO alarms," Brown said.
Carbon monoxide reportedly kills 50 men, women and children, and hospitalizes another 500, each year in Connecticut. Most recently, CO poisoning is suspected in the deaths of an elderly Cheshire couple earlier this week. Since Connecticut law has mandated CO alarms only for homes built after Oct. 1, 2005, Connecticut homeowners and residents need to be proactive to ensure they are protected against the risk of CO poisoning.
CO detectors are designed to sound when carbon monoxide accumulates to certain levels over time, and will alarm before most people experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide alarms are available at hardware stores and home improvement centers throughout Connecticut.
UTC Fire & Security's Kidde unit is one of the world's largest manufacturers of fire safety products. Kidde's mission is to provide solutions that protect people and property from the effects of fire and related hazards. For more than 80 years, firefighters, the military, airlines and many industrial leaders have relied on Kidde to deliver superior fire detection and suppression. Consumers will find that same advanced fire safety technology in Kidde's residential and commercial smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and other life safety products.
