Amanda’s Law, mandating that carbon monoxide detectors be installed in all homes and buildings that contain any carbon monoxide producing appliances or equipment, took effect in New York on February 22. The law pertains to gas stoves, fireplaces, fuel powered vehicles or equipment as carbon monoxide can be produced when burning any type of fuel, including wood, gas, oil and coal.
Alarms must be installed in each dwelling, on the lowest story where there is a sleeping area, according to Amanda’s Law. Homes built before January 1, 2008 are permitted to have battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms, while homes built after this date are required to have the alarms hard-wired into the building. Additionally, contractors
or any other person replacing an appliance, device, or system that emits carbon monoxide must install a detector.
A violation of this law is subject to a penalty of up to $100.
The only buildings that are not required to have carbon monoxide detectors are those that are completely and exclusively powered by electricity and have no fuel- or fire-powered appliances installed.
Known as the silent killer, carbon monoxide is orderless, colorless and undetectable without the presence of a carbon monoxide alarm.
The new law was named for 16-year-old Amanda Hansen of West Seneca, New York, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a faulty boiler while at a sleepover at friend’s house.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are flu-like—fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting—and can become fatal in a matter of minutes.
“This is a commonsense law that will save lives,” New York State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle was quoted in a press release as saying. “The installation of a carbon monoxide detector in every home will hopefully prevent the sudden and tragic loss of life that the Hansen family experienced.”
The Town of East Hampton Fire Marshal’s office has also been campaigning for community awareness regarding the new law. Residents who have any questions or concerns are invited to stop by the fire marshal’s office at 300 Pantigo Place, Suite 111, East Hampton, or call (631) 329-3473.
on Apr 7, 2010