"Amanda's Law", carbon monoxis detectors now mandatory...

"Amanda's Law" became effective February 22, 2010, it requires carbon monoxide detectors in every one and two family property and apartments in a multiple dwelling, as well as all condominium and cooperative apartmetns only where the dwelling unit has appliances, devices or systems that may emit carbon monoxide or has an attached garage. Your real estate professional must make you aware of this new law and advise you of your options.

The law is named for Amanda Hansen, 16, of West Seneca, who was found unconscious at a friend's house in January 2009. Officials later determined she had been exposed to lethal levels of carbon monoxide in the home's basement, where she and her friend were having a sleepover. She later died at South Buffalo Mercy Hospital.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for the flu and can include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing, sleepiness and confusion. By the time people realize there is a problem, they are often too sick or too disoriented to get out of the house and get help.

New York State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison, states that carbon monoxide poisoning is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. “More than 2,100 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year and over 10,000 people are injured, including, on average, 100 New Yorkers.”

If you don't already have one, please get yourself a carbon monoxide detector, it could save the lives of you and your family.