Sen. Costa talks about the carbon monoxide detectors available. Also pictured is Homestead Mayor Better Esper (far left); An Lewis, executive director of the Steel Vally Council of Government; and West Homestead Mayor Ray Bodnar.
HOMESTEAD – Homestead Mayor Betty Esper was lucky to escape with her life in November 2010 when a blocked vent pipe in her home caused a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide that sent both her and a tenant who lived in the home to the hospital for treatment.
Upon her recovery, she vowed to do make sure that Mon Valley residents understood the dangers of carbon monoxide and the importance of having a CO detector in the home.
Now, thanks to a $5,000 state grant secured by Sen. Costa through the state Department of Health, Mon Valley residents who cannot afford a detector can obtain one of 412 units available at their local borough building. The detectors are free of charge for needy families and senior citizens and are available in the municipal buildings in Boroughs of Braddock Hills, Dravosburg, Homestead, Munhall, West Elizabeth, West Homestead, West Mifflin and Whitaker, and the City of Clairton.
Esper worked with West Homestead Mayor Ray Bodnar, president of the Steel Valley Council of Governments, to get a discounted price from Lowes Home Improvements, located in the Waterfront development.
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