BOROUGH
PRESIDENT MARKOWITZ CAUTIONS BROOKLYNITES ABOUT DANGERS OF CARBON MONOXIDE
Death of Anita Bitri-Prapaniku serves as a tragic reminder of
the importance for all
Brooklynites to protect their homes from “silent killer”
carbon monoxide
On October 19, the celebrated Albanian pop singer Anita
Bitri-Prapaniku, along with her mother and daughter, died in their
sleep of carbon monoxide poisoning. Although she and her family
lived in Staten Island, Ms. Bitri-Prapaniku was in the process
of recording her music in Brooklyn. The celebrated musical artist
was well known in her home country and beloved by many Albanians
living in their adopted home of Brooklyn.
“Brooklyn grieves the deaths of Anita Bitri-Prapaniku, her
mother and her daughter,” said Borough President Markowitz.
“Ms. Bitri-Prapaniku came to our borough with the same desires
so many of us have: to fulfill her dreams. That her journey’s
end could have been avoided is the real tragedy. As the weather
gets colder, and the heat comes on in our homes, it is imperative
that all Brooklynites protect themselves and their families from
this ‘silent killer.’”
Their deaths occurred less than two weeks before a new carbon
monoxide prevention law goes into effect in the city. Carbon monoxide
is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating poisonous
gas produced by burning fossil fuels. Without detectors or simple
alarms, the only warning signs for carbon monoxide poisoning are
headaches, dizziness, tiredness, and nausea. Local Law 7 of 2004
requires the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in all
multiple and private dwellings as well as in institutional and
educational facilities throughout the city. The law goes into
effect on November 1, 2004. To learn more about complying with
this new law, please go to: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/home.html
A memorial service for Ms. Bitri-Prapaniku and her family is scheduled
for this Saturday, October 23, at First Evangelical Free Church
at 6523 Sixth Avenue and 65th Street in Brooklyn.
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