CHENANGO COUNTY – On Feb. 22, 2010, Amanda’s Law went into effect throughout New York State, requiring the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in both new and existing homes statewide. Following the widespread flooding that resulted in the wake of Tropical Storm Lee, county emergency officials are urging homeowners whose furnaces, water heaters or fireplaces were damaged by flood waters to make sure their carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed and maintained.
According to Deputy Fire Coordinator Mike Beckwith, it’s simply a matter of putting families’ safety-first.
“Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every house, on the lowest level where sleeping quarters are located,” added Beckwith. “With the recent flooding issues, contractors replacing hot water heaters and furnaces are supposed to check if a home has a working carbon monoxide detector. If not, they’re supposed to install one.”
Often referred to as the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. Commonly, the potentially deadly substance radiates from improperly vented heating sources such as furnaces and hot water heaters. According to WebMd.com, symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea and dizziness, and can be life threatening within minutes.
Amanda’s Law was named 16-year-old Amanda Hansen, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in January of 2009. Under the law, any home built after Jan. 1, 2008 must have a carbon monoxide detector hard-wired into its electrical system. Homes built before 2008 may use a battery-powered detector.
Hard-wired detectors, however, are no guarantee when it comes to safety, however, said Beckwith.
“Even with hard-wired models, we still suggest a battery-powered back-up,” stated Beckwith. “With a hard-wired detector, what happens if you lose power. We tell people to put a carbon monoxide detector alongside their smoke detector, at least on the lowest level where people sleep. One on every level is not going to hurt, though.”