(WKTV) - On February 22, New York State law will require every dwelling in the state to have a carbon monoxide detector.

The law is called "Amanda's Law," named after a Western New York teenager who died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Fire officials said that because carbon monoxide is nearly impossible to notice on your own, the best way to stay safe is with carbon monoxide detectors.

Utica Fire Chief Russell Brooks said carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and deadly. Brooks said he can recall many incidents where fire crews have responded to find people dead from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Who is at Risk:

Any home that has any kind of gas source, the most common source for most homes would be a gas furnace, is at risk, said Brooks. Those who have older furnaces especially should invest in a carbon monoxide detector, especially if it hasn't been properly maintained.

Brooks says the fire department will soon have to enforce the new law, but it's a law he feels as though could really save lives.

"Carbon monoxide is the silent killer, you know it's another level of safety that we need to have in our homes to keep our families safe," said Brooks.

Brooks said he can recall two occasions where carbon monoxide was detected.

In one case, the fire department showed up and a group of guys playing cards were found dead from poisoning.

Another situation, Brooks recalled, was where the fire department noticed an unusual color of smoke coming from a rental dwelling. In that case the people were treated for carbon monoxide posing but lived, Brooks said.