Carbon monoxide detectors still available to residents

JACKSON - Any resident who needs a new carbon monoxide detector for their home can still claim one.

"The Goetz school effort to educate the public about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning really opened my eyes," said resident Michelle Stamos, who has four children. "Getting a detector was such a positive thing to do for my family."

She was referring to a program conducted by pupils at the Goetz school during the 2006-07 school year to educate residents about carbon monoxide poisoning and to provide carbon monoxide detectors to people who do not already have one in their home.

The students were inspired to act following the death of a classmate a year ago from carbon monoxide poisoning.

A series of fundraising events helped the pupils to purchase 500 carbon monoxide detectors at cost from the Kidde Corporation and those detectors along with 100 detectors that were donated by Lowe's Home Improvement of Howell were the centerpiece of a public awareness day that was held at the school on June 2.

"Chris Jennings, their human resources manager, sprang into action and was able to give the carbon monoxide detectors to the kids at Goetz," said Michael Kafton, who along with Principal Faith Lessig and teachers Debbie Potter, Adrienne Pre-vitera and Carol Law-rence were involved with the program since its inception.

Lawrence said the pupils increased their own knowledge about carbon monoxide poisoning and went home and discussed the issue with their parents.

On June 2, about 200 carbon monoxide detectors were given out to members of the community. There are almost 400 detectors left to be distributed.

Carbon monoxide detectors will be given out at during the National Night Out in Jackson event at 6 p.m. Aug. 7 at ShopRite, County Line Road. If any detectors still remain, they will be given out at Jackson Day in September.

Kafton said anyone who would like to receive a carbon monoxide detector may call (732) 905-7898 and make arrangements to pick one up.

- Dave Benjamin