The death of a 16-year-old Buffalo girl has given birth to what is known as Amanda's Law. And it says all New Yorkers need to have carbon monoxide detectors installed by February 22nd. Our Joleene Des Rosiers has more.

CENTRAL NEW YORK -- Carbon monoxide detectors come aplenty. Some talk, some beep, some are dual purpose and act as a smoke alarm as well. And now it's New York State law they be a permanent fixture in your home. Home Depot stores statewide have an end cap in the front of their stores to remind people it's the law.

"People are asking about the different brand and kinds that we carry. And they want to know, most of the questions, are they mandatory. Well, yes, they are. As of the 22nd," said Home Depot associate Tony DeBottis.

Mandatory carbon monoxide detectors can mean fewer calls for fire departments who are all too familiar with the deadly toxin.

"We see more instances of carbon monoxide poisoning and illnesses in winter months, obviously, because that's when everyone's furnaces are running," said fire lieutenant Dave Engle.

Known as Amanda's Law, the new legislation has stores like Home Depot buying more products and selling them quickly.

"Our sales have been very brisk. And we've prepared for it. We have four or five different styles and price variations, so we should be able to meet everybody's demand," DeBottis said.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are very similar to the symptoms of the flu. So if you're experiencing flu like symptoms, think twice. It could be the flu. Or it could be something else.

"It just keeps building and building and building. So even a small amount in the atmosphere over a long period of time is going to continue to accumulate in the body," Engle said. "It will start off as flu like symptoms, eventually leading to an altered mental status, coma and can kill you."

"They pick up the carbon monoxide in the house, they detect what you can't because it's an odorless gas," added DeBottis.

Detectors need to be installed near bedrooms, common gathering areas and near appliances that produce the toxin.

Amanda's Law is named after Amanda Hansen, a Buffalo-area teen who died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Hansen was spending the night at a friend's house when fumes from a faulty boiler took her life.