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February 1, 2006
Deaf and hard of hearing CO detectors
The Olathe Fire Department continues to offer free, carbon monoxide detectors to deaf and hard of hearing Olathe families. As winter weather hovers over us, many people have their natural gas furnace working around the clock. Some have their fireplace working to keep their home warm too. But, do they have a working CO detector?
CO is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. It is a by-product of incomplete combustion or burning. And, CO accounts for half of all fatal poisonings in the U.S. each year.
CO detectors for most people can cost as little as $20 per unit while specially designed CO detectors for deaf and hard of hearing people can cost more than $200 per unit! A $21,000 United States Department of Homeland Security grant, as part of the Assistance to Firefighters - Fire Prevention and Safety Program, helps fund this initiative.
These special detectors alert deaf and hard of hearing people to CO by using a bright, strobe light and audible alarm. The detectors simply plug into a standard wall outlet and require no special installation.
Deaf and hard of hearing Olatheans can apply for the program by stopping by the Olathe Fire Department's Administration facility, located at 1225 S. Hamilton Circle, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To qualify, applicants must present a City of Olathe water bill stub AND a deaf or hard of hearing disability certificate or doctor's note. Direct program questions to our TTY at (913) 971-7903 or our hearing telephone line at (913) 971-6333.
By Kansas City infoZine
http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/12680/
Posted by 4HL on February 1, 2006 4:20 PM
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