The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is urging people to check their smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors as spring is about to be sprung (Monday, March 20). Homeowners with alarms that have sealed, nonremovable batteries should test the alarms to see if they are functional and check their expiration dates. Alarms equipped with removable batteries should have their batteries replaced before you test the alarm.
”¯New York state currently leads the nation in home fire deaths, with”¯36 deaths”¯in the first two months of 2023. In an emergency, working smoke detectors are a resident”™s first line of defense and can give people critical time to escape. According to the”¯National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA)”¯three of every five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms or in homes lacking smoke alarms.”¯
”¯“The additional time a smoke or CO alarm provides can be the difference between life and death,” said FASNY President Edward Tase Jr. “We encourage everyone to check their smoke and CO alarms monthly to ensure that they are functioning properly. In addition, fire sprinkler systems are proven to save lives, and these systems should be installed when possible.”
”¯New York state has banned the sale of smoke alarms with removable batteries. This was an important step to increase public safety, but individuals must also be diligent about installing these more user-friendly alarms and ensuring that they are in working order.
”¯There is”¯legislation”¯awaiting introduction for this session of the New York Legislature”¯that would allow home-life safety products, like smoke detectors, to be tax-exempt. This”¯legislation also includes fire extinguishers and heat and carbon monoxide alarms purchased for residential use. FASNY has said it supports the elimination of any economic barrier in obtaining these products and that the State Senate and Assembly should move on this legislation without delay.
”¯Here are some smoke alarm tips from FASNY and the NFPA:
- ”¯Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for testing smoke alarms and replacing the batteries.”¯
- Smoke alarms should not be installed near a window, because drafts could interfere with their operation.
- Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home, including the basement, and in, or near, each sleeping area.”¯”¯
- 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 accumulate in the unit.”¯
- Never borrow a battery from an alarm to use somewhere else.”¯”¯
- Never paint a smoke or CO”¯alarm.”¯
- Families should also develop and practice a home fire escape plan.”¯
