Welcome to the
Red Jacket Fire Department

It’s the law: Every house now must have carbon monoxide detectors

ALBANY — Every house in New York must be installed with a carbon monoxide detector, according to a new state law that took effect on Monday.

Amanda’s Law is named for 16-year-old Amanda Hansen of West Seneca, who died last winter while sleeping at a friend’s house with a defective boiler.

Houses built before Jan. 1, 2008, are permitted to have battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms. Houses built after this date must have the alarms hard-wired into the building. Previously, only houses built or bought after July 30, 2002, were required to have these devices.

In addition, contractors will be required to install a carbon monoxide alarm when replacing a hot water tank or furnace if the home is not already equipped.

The law requires one- and two-family residences to have at least one carbon monoxide alarm installed on the lowest floor with a sleeping area. The alarm must be clearly audible in all sleeping areas even when doors are closed.

Carbon monoxide can be produced when burning any type of fuel, including gasoline, charcoal, propane, natural gas, kerosene, oil, wood, or coal. It is produced when any flammable material burns incompletely. It can kill in minutes or hours, depending on the levels in the air.

When carbon monoxide is inhaled at damaging levels it can lead to breathing difficulties, impaired judgment and memory, damage to the nervous system, cardiac trauma, brain damage, coma and death. The American Medical Association says unborn and young children, pregnant women and people with heart or respiratory problems are most vulnerable.

This site is a tribute to the men and women of the Red Jacket Fire Department and the citizens they serve. Please visit often as this site is constantly updated. 

The Fire Department is located within the Bridgeport Fire District in the Town of Seneca Falls. Our address is 2528 Lower Lake Road Seneca Falls. (North of the DeerHead Inn - Same side of the road)