Shoppers hit stores in preparation for Amanda's Law

By By GARY LIBERATORE

Story Created: Feb 20, 2010 at 7:39 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 21, 2010 at 10:19 AM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - "Amanda's Law" goes into effect on Monday. That means from that point forward, you are required by law to have at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home.

On Saturday, shoppers at Lowe's in North Utica were getting all of their carbon monoxide questions, answered.

New York State Protection Specialist Ben Keller - who is also a firefighter in East Herkimer - told customers that just one carbon monoxide detector should be enough for a small home.

"When you do have a problem with carbon monoxide, the gas permeates the entire residence," Keller said. "What we're trying to ensure is a safe path of travel out of their home when they're sleeping and most vulnerable. Having a detector outside of your sleeping area will give you that protection."

Some shoppers, like Richard Wasyleski of Frankfort, said he thought he thought he needed more than one.

"I thought you had to have one for each bedroom," Wasyleski said. "(Keller) says no. If the bedrooms are adjacent to each other, you just have to have one. But, if they're separated, you can have another one to feel more comfortable."

"Amanda's Law" is named after a little girl in the Buffalo area who lost her life during a sleepover due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
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