State Rep. David Steffen (R-Howard), will be introducing legislation that would require Wisconsin public schools to have carbon monoxide detectors throughout their buildings. Schools are already required to adopt an indoor environmental quality plan— installing carbon monoxide detectors would be incorporated as a key safety measure.
Earlier in March, 39 students and staff from the School District of Crandon were treated at area hospitals for symptoms related to elevated carbon monoxide levels in the school.
“This traumatic event could have been avoided with a simple detector,” said Steffen. “We’ve put millions of dollars into school safety programs over the years. This is an inexpensive but very effective way to protect our kids while they’re at school.”
To ensure all schools are able to meet this new safety standard, the proposal would include a process for districts to seek reimbursement for costs associated with purchasing carbon monoxide detectors. Currently, five states — including Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Rhode Island and Utah — require their schools to have carbon monoxide detectors.
“Student and staff safety is the foundation to everything else that goes on in our schools, from academics to extra-curricular activities. Ensuring that schools have carbon monoxide detectors is key to that safety,” said Steffen.
For information, contact Steffen’s office at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.gov.
Categories
