First Alert

The Challenge

As a leader in the manufacture of home safety equipment, First Alert is deeply committed to the passage of strong safety standards throughout the country. Efforts to require carbon monoxide detectors in residential buildings had often been opposed or diluted. In Massachusetts, proposed legislation quickly became bogged down over concerns raised by property owners and housing authorities, installers, and competitors lacking leading-edge technology.

The Solution

On behalf of First Alert, The Suffolk Group organized a coalition of supporters including fire safety officials, key legislators, home inspectors, and responsible manufacturers. The coalition first developed unanimity on allowable types of detectors, installation codes, and alarm standards. The Suffolk Group then drafted amendments to the legislation and lobbied political leaders for fast action.

The Result

Massachusetts became one of the first states in the nation to adopt comprehensive carbon monoxide requirements. Since passage, First Alert has worked with coalition members in several other states, using the Massachusetts law and lobbying strategy as a model.