Carbon Monoxide Detectors Mandated in NY State

Amanda's Law takes effect tomorrow, February 22, 2010 in New York State.

Amanda's Law, passed in 2009 by the NYS legislature requires homeowners to install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.

Under the law, 1-family, 2-family, dwellings in condominiums or co-operatives, and multiple dwellings must have a carbon monoxide detector installed regardless of the date of construction or sale.

The law was named after Amanda Hansen, a teenager whose life was tragically ended by a carbon monoxide leak from a defective boiler while sleeping at a friend's house in Januray 2009.

The new law requires that a carbon monoxide (CO) detector meeting New York State standards, and that it be installedin an operable condition in dwellings where there are appliances or systems that may emit carbon monoxide or have an attached garage.

Prior to Amanda's Law, carbon monoxide detectors were reuired in 1-family, 2-family, and dwellings in condominiums or co-operatives only if they were constructed or offered for sale after August 9, 2005.

As a result of Amanda's Law, a carbon monoxide detector will be found in nearly all residential structures in the state. This creates a safer living environment for New York residents and creates greater awareness to home safety issues that are intensified by seasonal heating issues prevalent in the Northeast.

-----

TML - Courtesy of a press release issued by the Fireman's Association of the State of New York, mailed to the author, the president of the Peekskill Art Lofts cooperative residence by the Westchester County Planning Department.

I predict a shortage of detectors as owners and residential managers find out about this law. There are hardwired and plug-in battery backup models available. The affordable plug-in models cost about $20 to $30 each, with higher priced units up to $150.