Romney Signs Nicole's Law

ROMNEY SIGNS NICOLE'S LAW

Law seeks to prevent carbon monoxide deaths

Governor Mitt Romney today signed legislation to protect the public from the dangers of carbon monoxide, a potentially lethal odorless gas.

Known as "Nicole's Law," the bill is named for Nicole Garofalo, a 7-year-old Plymouth girl who died in January of 2005 after a snow-blocked heating vent trapped toxic carbon monoxide fumes in the family home.

"Today, we have the opportunity to turn the senseless death of Nicole Garofalo into the wake-up call that the little girl never heard," said Romney. "In signing this bill, we've taken a big step toward preventing similar tragedies from striking other families in the Commonwealth."

In 2003, there were nearly 3,000 carbon monoxide cases reported statewide, most of which occurred in residences during the winter months.

"The passage of this law means that something good has come from Nicole's death," said Mark Garofalo, Nicole's father. "Her legacy will be one of protecting other little boys and girls from the deadly dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning."

To prevent future cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, Nicole's Law requires residential buildings that contain enclosed parking or equipment such as boilers, furnaces and hot water heaters to have working carbon monoxide detectors. Local fire departments will inspect residences upon the sale or transfer of a property to ensure compliance with the law.

"The passage of Nicole's Law marks an extremely important moment in the prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning," said Representative Vinny deMacedo, one of the bill's sponsors. "The installation of carbon monoxide detectors in residential homes will prevent countless future tragedies resulting from exposure to this deadly gas. Once again, I would like to thank the Garofalo family for their continued support and strength in supporting this life-saving piece of legislation."

"Today is a celebration of Nicole's life," said Senator Therese Murray, a co-author of the legislation. "This law pays tribute to Nicole, and helps to ensure that no family has to experience this kind of heartbreak. I am proud, as a member of the Plymouth delegation, that we were able to do this for Nicole and her family."

"Nicole's death was a tragedy which impacted our entire community," said Rep. Thomas O'Brien, a co-sponsor of the bill. "It is in Nicole's memory and on behalf of her family that we have passed legislation which will prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from claiming the life of any other Massachusetts resident."

State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan said, "Carbon monoxide detector technology has come of age. Just as we have been reaping the rewards of smoke alarm technology through fewer fire deaths, requiring carbon monoxide detectors will also prevent deaths by giving families early warning of a silent killer."

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