FT. LAUDERDALE, FL, May 16, 2007— Kidde, the world’s largest manufacturer of fire safety products, announced today that in partnership with local nonprofit organization, Janelle’s Wishing Well, the company will donate 300 carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to the Miami-Dade Fire Department.  The alarms will be installed in homes to help families prepare for this year’s hurricane season.  Kidde is part of UTC Fire & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

“Kidde is proud to assist the Miami-Dade Fire Department with their efforts to help keep families safe from this silent killer,” said Chris Rovenstine, vice president of marketing for Kidde.  “Carbon monoxide is colorless, tasteless and invisible.  The only safe way to detect it is with a CO alarm.  Hopefully this donation will prompt other families to take action before hurricane season begins, to help ensure they are protected after storms hit.”

Hurricane season begins June 1.  Forecasters predict 17 storms, including five rated as intense.  Carbon monoxide poisonings often occur after a storm hits, as families use alternative sources such as portable generators or charcoal or gas grills to supply power or cook food.  When used improperly, these fuel-burning appliances pose a deadly risk of CO poisoning.

“Carbon monoxide poisoning has become a major issue for us after hurricanes,” said Fire Chief Herminio Lorenzo, Director of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.  “We urge families to prepare now for this year’s storm season, and to make sure that if they’re going to use a generator, they keep them outside, and that they have CO alarms in their homes.”

Recent studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that more than 200 Floridians died from CO poisoning during the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, and that all of those incidents were due to improperly used generators.  The CDC reported that 86 percent of those poisoned didn’t have a CO alarm.  
 
For the third year in a row, Florida consumers can get a sales tax break on hurricane preparedness items, including carbon monoxide alarms.  The tax break extends for the first two weeks of June. 

Additionally, this May, the Florida legislature approved a bill requiring CO alarms in new residential dwellings that have fossil-fuel-burning appliances, or an attached garage.  The bill will go into effect July 2008.

“I commend Florida lawmakers for passing a bill that will save lives,” said Barbara Bertot, executive director of Janelle’s Wishing Well.  Bertot lost her daughter, Janelle, to CO poisoning in 2004.  “However, I urge families not to wait for the law to take effect – install working CO alarms in your homes now.”  For more information on CO safety during a hurricane, and Florida’s new law, visit www.knowaboutco.com.

About Kidde

As the world’s largest fire safety manufacturer, Kidde’s mission is to provide solutions that protect people and property from the effects of fire and its related hazards. For 90 years, Kidde’s residential and commercial division has offered superior fire safety technology in its smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and other life-safety products.  Based in Mebane, N.C., Kidde is part of UTC Fire & Security, which provides fire safety and security solutions to more than one million customers throughout the world. UTC Fire & Security, headquartered in Connecticut, USA, is a business unit of United Technologies Corp., which provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries worldwide. 

About Janelle’s Wishing Well

Janelle’s Wishing Well was established in honor of Janelle Bertot who died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Janelle’s family established the foundation to honor her spirit of community involvement, and the Foundation is committed to raising public awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.  For more information, visit www.janelleswishingwell.org.


Contact:
Kimberly Reidy
Media Relations Manager
860-284-3094
kimberly.reidy@fs.utc.com