Fire Officials Urge New Yorkers to Check Smoke Detectors

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – The Fireman’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) urge all New Yorkers to check their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure their homes are properly protected.Officials say it’s best to check and change alarms at the same time you move the clocks forward (or backward) to make it part of a yearly routine.

Three of every five fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.

— National Fire Protection Agency

If alarms have Removable batteries, they should be replaced twice-a-year. Alarms equipped with sealed-in batteries should be tested to ensure they are in proper working condition.

“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.

Smoke and CO Alarm Tips:

  • Test alarms at least once a month
  • Alarms with Removable batteries should be checked every six months
  • Alarms with Removable batteries should be changed every year
  • 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
  • Smoke alarms should not be installed near a window

At the end of 2015, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that requires all smoke alarms sold in New York State to be equipped with sealed-in non-removable batteries that last for 10 years. That law will take effect in 2019.

For more information on smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and other information on fire safety and prevention visit FASNY’s website.