FASNY encourages New Yorkers to check smoke, CO alarms with time change

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York is urging New Yorkers to check their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms when they change their clocks with the upcoming time change.

FASNY says if the alarms have removable batteries, they should be checked and replaced if necessary, and if they have sealed-in batteries, they should be tested to ensure they’re working properly. They also recommend cleaning all alarms to remove any debris that might impede their function.

At the end of 2015, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law a bill that will require smoke alarms sold in New York to be equipped with sealed-in, non-removable batteries that last for at least 10 years. The new law will take effect in 2019, and FASNY says it’s an important step in improving the state’s fire safety.

FASNY says that according to the National Fire Protection Association, three of every five fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms, and the majority of smoke alarm failures are because of dead or missing batteries.

“Installing and maintaining smoke alarms in your house is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself from fire,” said FASNY President Ken Pienkowski. “This simple, but vital maintenance includes ensuring that all alarms are equipped with working batteries. We strongly encourage New Yorkers to install 10-year smoke alarms, which cannot be easily deactivated. Equally important is installing and maintaining carbon monoxide alarms. These appliances are critical in preventing future tragedies.”

FASNY offers the following tips regarding smoke and carbon monoxide alarms:

• Test alarms at least once a month by using the test button.
• If you have an alarm with a removable battery, be sure to check the batteries every six months, and change the batteries every year. If a battery is starting to lose its power, the unit will usually chirp to warn you. Do NOT disable the unit.
• Vacuum or blow out any dust that might have accumulated in the unit.
• NEVER borrow a battery from an alarm to use somewhere else.
• NEVER paint a smoke or CO alarm.
• Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home, including the basement, and in, or near each sleeping area.
• Smoke alarms should not be installed near a window because drafts could interfere with their operation.
• Families should also develop and practice a home fire escape plan.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for testing smoke alarms and replacing the batteries.

More information on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as other fire safety information, can be found at www.fasny.com and www.nfpa.org.