West Nyack Fire Department

Carbon Monoxide Prevention


It’s The Law
NEW YORK STATE REQUIRES CO DETECTORS
Amanda’s Law passes to protect your family and home from CO.


Effective February 23rd , 2010, there is a new law in the state of New York which states standards for installation of carbon monoxide detectors, requiring that ALL new and existing one or two-family dwellings and multi family dwellings having a fuel-burning appliance system or attached garage shall have to install a carbon monoxide detector.

●CO alarms save lives

●CO alarms must be listed to comply with UL 2034 or CSA 6.19.

●CO alarms need to be installed within each dwelling near sleeping areas in accordance to manufacturer’s instructions.

●CO alarms should be installed on each level of your home.

● CO alarms should be tested once a month

●CO alarms should be changed every 5 years

Carbon monoxide (CO) is commonly known as the silent killer since the most serious quality of carbon monoxide is that, unlike smoke, it is virtually undetectable, even when someone is awake and alert. Carbon monoxide is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CO poisoning causes more than 400 deaths and 20,000 emergency department visits in the U.S. annually. It is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas.

Symptoms: 

Initial symptoms are similar to the flu without a fever and can include dizziness, severe headaches, nausea, sleepiness, fatigue/weakness and disorientation/confusion. More sever symptoms include mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination, and loss of consciousness.

Parts Per Million
(PPM)

Time Exposed In

Symptoms

200 PPM 2-3 Hours Mild headache, fatigue, nausea and dizziness

400 PPM

1-2 Hours

Serious headache- other symptoms intensify.
Life threatening after 3 hours.

800 PPM

45 Minutes

Dizziness, nausea and convulsions.
Unconscious within 2 hours. Death within 2-3hours.

1600 PPM

20 Minutes

Dizziness and nausea. Death within 1 hour.

3200 PPM

5-10 Minutes

Dizziness and nausea. Death within 1 hour.

6400 PPM

1-2 Minutes

Dizziness and nausea. Death within 30 minutes

12,800 PPM

1-2 Minutes

DEATH

Where to place carbon monoxide alarms:

Carbon Monoxide alarms should be installed in the hallway outside bedrooms or in each separate sleeping area of the home. CO alarms may be battery operated or plugged into an electrical outlet. They may even be hard wired to other CO alarms in the house. Avoid placing CO alarms in locations that are near heating vents or that can be covered by furniture or draperies. It is not recommend installing CO alarms in kitchens, laundry room, near your furnace, water heater or above fuel-burning appliances.

How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

●Inspect for a cracked Chimney Flue.

● Make sure your furnace and other appliances, such as gas ovens, ranges, and cook tops, are inspected for adequate ventilation.

Do not burn charcoal inside your house, even in a fireplace.

Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers to heat your home.

Do not operate gasoline-powered equipment in confined spaces such as garages or basements.

●Do not leave your car, mower, portable generator, power washer or other vehicles and equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, running in an attached garage or basement, even with the door open!

If the CO alarm sounds, check the detector to determine if it malfunctioned, if not, evacuate the building immediately and Call 911! People who have symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning should seek emergency medical care immediately

Disclaimer:

The content from WNFD.org is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice; visitors are responsible for making their own assessment of the topics discussed. The West Nyack Fire Engine Company No.1 tries to provide content that is true and accurate as of the date of writing; however, we give no assurance or warranty regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or applicability of any of the contents. Visitors to WNFD.org should not act upon the content or information without first seeking appropriate professional advice. The West Nyack Fire Engine Company No.1 and its members shall not be held liable to any persons for the information provided in this web site for any loss, damages, injuries, or death that may occur as a result of reliance upon the information contained in this website.