The advocacy group Center for Campus Fire Safety (CCFS) is urging college students to install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in their dormitories and off-campus housing.
Although some states have passed legislation requiring CO alarms in residential dwellings, most dorms and off-campus residences are not equipped with the devices, according to Paul Martin, vice president of CCFS.
“As students head back to school, they or their parents need to add these life-saving devices to the packing list,” Martin says. “For about the cost of a throw pillow or decorative rug, a parent or student can make a purchase that could save their life and the lives of others.”
While deaths are attributed each year to the deadly gas, the recent sickening of 23 students at Virginia Tech by CO poisoning underscores the vulnerability millions of students across the United States. According to the CCFS, about 75 percent of college students ages 18-24 live off campus in fraternity housing or rental homes and apartments.
“Preventing these senseless tragedies is quite possible, and we encourage state legislatures throughout the country to take the necessary steps to require CO alarms, in addition to smoke alarms, in residential dwellings, including dormitories and off-campus housing,” he says.
Other Recent News
May 16, 2012
SafeMart Home Security, based here, will extend its service capabilities with the addition of Verizon Wireless as a network service provider for its wireless home security systems.
May 16, 2012
False alarm fees are being credited by city officials here for a reduction in the number of 911 calls that turn out to be non-emergencies, according to a news report.
May 16, 2012
Montgomery County (Md.) saved more than $1.3 million in 2011 by reducing the number of false dispatches responded to by county police, according to a news report.
May 11, 2012
The False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA) bestowed Vector Security with Industry False Alarm Reduction Achievement Award at the association’s annual conference here on May 1-3.
May 8, 2012
Welcome back to SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION's "Security Speaking" podcast! Here, Editor-in-Chief Scott Goldfine talks to Deborah Hansen, false alarm reduction coordinator for the city of Naperville (Ill.) Police Department at the False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA) Symposium in Albuquerque, N.M.