GFD to get carbon monoxide detectors
Will distribute them to low-income city residents
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
GALESBURG - The Galesburg Fire Department will receive 25 carbon monoxide detectors next week to help low-income residents comply with a new state law.The detectors will be donated by Sears and First Alert, two companies that will distribute about 3,000 detectors in response to a law signed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich. On Jan. 1, 2007, all Illinois dwellings must have carbon monoxide detectors installed within 15 feet of every bedroom.
The fire department will determine which low-income residents will receive the combined smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, valued at $20 a piece, when they are given to the fire chief Tuesday.
"We do work with social service groups that can help us identify people that would have that financial need," John Cratty said.
The two Illinois-based companies donating the detectors have worked closely with the Illinois fire marshal to organize the effort. Fire departments in Chicago, Cicero, Rockford, Springfield and the Quad Cities already have received alarms for low-income residents.
"First Alert has traditionally donated thousands of alarms, to people who truly can't afford them, for years," said Gigi Lubin, a First Alert spokeswoman. "It's really a nice opportunity to be helping neighbors."
