Here in New York State, all homes that have a fuel burning appliance or attached garage are required to have carbon monoxide detectors.
This week marks the one year anniversary of Amanda’s Law. The law is named after Amanda Hansen, a 16-year-old who died in her sleep from carbon monoxide that was leaking from a defective boiler.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental death in the country, one that can be prevented with the help of a simple device. Ellis Guiles of Tag Heating and Cooling says “We've seen incidents of 20 to 30 parts per million brought into the house and sometimes higher because a car is running so it can be unsafe, and we have seen the same thing with stoves."
If you don't already have a carbon monoxide detector you can pick one up at any local hardware store. They run anywhere from twenty to fifty dollars - a small price to pay for a device that will help keep you and your family safe.