In September, the North Carolina fire service will likely recommend building code changes similar to those adopted in South Carolina, according to a state insurance department spokeswoman.
South Carolina followed the lead of the International Building Code, which last year imposed requirements for carbon monoxide alarms in hotels. The panel that adopts North Carolina's building code may decide to do the same.
Some state lawmakers – including Rep. Becky Carney, D-Mecklenburg, and Rep. Jonathan Jordan, R-Watauga – say they'll push for a study to determine whether the state should require hotels to install carbon monoxide alarms.
Minges said that while her members have not yet taken a position on the issue, they'll want to be involved in the search for solutions.
Others have contended that it's time for action. Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson has talked about the need for carbon monoxide detectors in every state hotel room, according to WSOC-TV.
The recent deaths at the Best Western have focused attention on the dangers of carbon monoxide as well as breakdowns in the state's system of death investigations.
On April 16, two of the hotel's guests – Daryl Dean Jenkins, 73, and Shirley Mae Jenkins, 72, both of Longview, Wash. – were found dead in their room. Autopsies found they died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
On June 8, Williams died in the same hotel room, also from exposure to carbon monoxide.
Authorities believe the poisonous gas came from an improperly installed pool heater below their room. The heater was installed without the knowledge of local building inspectors.
The South Carolina building code changes would not require carbon monoxide alarms in every hotel room. One notable exception: In hotel buildings where common areas are equipped with alarm systems, individual hotel rooms would not be required to have them.
A state expert said many of the deaths were caused by generators, indoor grills and cars parked inside garages.