CARBON MONOXIDE

Carbon monoxide poisoning is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States.  More than 2,000 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year and over 10,000 people are injured.*

The New York State Office of Fire Prevention & Control (OFPC) is working to ensure homeowners are aware of the hazards of carbon monoxide.  A new state law, known as Amanda’s Law, went into effect on February 22, 2010.  This law requires most residences, both new and existing, to have carbon monoxide alarms installed.

The law requires that a carbon monoxide detector be installed in every dwelling on the lowest level that has bedrooms, although many experts advise having at least one on every floor with bedrooms, as well as one in the basement, which is where most gas appliances are.

Until now, state law required carbon monoxide detectors only in homes built or sold after July 30, 2002.

For further information on this law, and how to comply, please click:

Amanda's law             

Carbon Monoxide Info Brochure

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms

NFPA Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

NFPA Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet

*  According to New York State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison