Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide Facts

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poison gas that can be fatal when inhaled. Any fuel-burning appliance that is malfunctioning or improperly installed can produce Carbon Monoxide. These appliances include but are not limited to furnaces, gas range/stove, gas clothes dryer, water heaters, portable fuel-burning space heaters, fireplaces, generators and wood burning stoves.

Initial symptoms of CO Poisoning are similar to the flu without a fever and can include dizziness, severe headaches, nausea, sleepiness, fatigue/weakness and disorientation/confusion.

If anyone is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning or your CO alarm activates, you need to get everyone into fresh air and call 911. If no one is experiencing symptoms, you should still call 911 to have the alarm investigated. If you are unable to leave the home to call for help, open the doors and windows, and turn off all possible sources while you are waiting for assistance to arrive. Under no circumstance should an alarm be ignored!  Remember, you cannot see, smell or taste Carbon Monoxide.

Amanda's Law

Amanda’s Law was named in honor of Buffalo resident Amanda Hansen, a teenage girl who lost her life to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from a defective boiler when sleeping over at a friend’s house in January 2009.

Beginning February 22, 2010, a new law went into effect in New York to help protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The new law requires CO alarms be installed in all new and existing one and two-family dwellings, multifamily dwellings and rentals having a fuel-burning appliance, system or attached garage.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends CO alarms be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

CO alarms must be listed to comply with UL (Underwriters Laboratories) 2034 or CSA (Canadian Standards Association) 6.19 and installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.