Residents encouraged to check smoke detectors this weekend

Area residents are encouraged to check the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, when daylight savings time begins Sunday.

Batteries should be changed if needed, said Firemen’s Association of the State of New York officials in a news release. The detectors may also be dusted or vacuumed clean of debris, to ensure they work properly.

No smoke alarms were present in more than one-third of home fire deaths, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Twenty-five percent of home fire deaths involved, smoke alarms which were present, but didn’t sound, while 36 percent of fatal fire victims never wake up.

FASNY recommends testing detectors at least once a month by using the test button; checking batteries every six months; and changing the batteries every year.

Families should also develop and practice a home fire escape plan, officials said.