HARRISBURG – A proposal from Bucks County Sen. Frank Farry would require licensed childcare centers and licensed family childcare homes located in buildings with potential carbon monoxide sources to be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms. Many childcare centers and family childcare homes operate in buildings with furnaces, water heaters, gas stoves, attached garages, or other potential carbon monoxide sources. When a malfunction occurs, there is often no warning until people become sick. A carbon monoxide alarm can alert staff early so they can safely evacuate children and call for help. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly in minutes. The CDC reports that unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning kills hundreds of Americans and sends tens of thousands to emergency departments each year. The bill will establish clear, statewide standards and inspection requirements, while minimizing additional administrative burden on providers. It will also provide flexibility in compliance, consistent with nationally recognized life-safety codes, recognizing that many childcare centers and family childcare homes already voluntarily utilize carbon monoxide alarms.
SEN. FRANK FARRY