CHENANGO COUNTY – On Feb. 22, 2010, Amanda’s Law went into effect throughout New York State, requiring the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in both new and existing homes statewide. Following the widespread flooding that resulted in the wake of Tropical Storm Lee, county emergency officials are urging homeowners whose furnaces, water heaters or fireplaces were damaged by flood waters to make sure their carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed and maintained.

According to Deputy Fire Coordinator Mike Beckwith, it’s simply a matter of putting families’ safety-first.

“Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every house, on the lowest level where sleeping quarters are located,” added Beckwith. “With the recent flooding issues, contractors replacing hot water heaters and furnaces are supposed to check if a home has a working carbon monoxide detector. If not, they’re supposed to install one.”