Change batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout your house

Test all alarms after batteries are changed to ensure they are in proper working condition

As clocks roll forward this weekend to Daylight Saving Time, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control remind all New Yorkers that they should take a moment to test their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

“When it’s time to set the clocks forward, it’s also time to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,” said Commissioner Roger L. Parrino, Sr.  “It only takes a few minutes to put your mind at ease, knowing that you have done something to make your family a little safer.”

“Spring is just around the corner,” said State Fire Administrator Francis Nerney.  “After changing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, test them to ensure that you and your family are safe from fire as the weather gets warmer.”

Smoke alarms provide early warning of a fire and can provide extra time to escape safely.  However, smoke alarms may not work properly if homeowners and renters don’t test them regularly.  Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control.  Although it does not produce a smell or taste, carbon monoxide kills more than 400 people every year and sends more than 20,000 people to the emergency room.  The only safe way to detect it is with a carbon monoxide alarm.

Commissioner Parrino and State Fire Administrator Nerney provided some important safety tips about smoke and carbon monoxide alarms:

Smoke Alarms

• Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms so that when one sounds, they all sound.
• Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years or sooner if they do not work properly when tested.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

• Install CO alarms on every floor and in sleeping areas to fully protect your family.
• For homes with carbon monoxide alarms installed five or more years ago, it is time to replace those alarms to help ensure protection from the silent killer.
• Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.  When using a generator, use a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector in your home.

For more information on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and other home fire safety tips, visit OFPC’s website at www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc.

About OFPC:

OFPC delivers a wide breadth of services to firefighters, emergency responders, state and local government agencies, public and private colleges, and the citizens of New York. The Office advances public safety through firefighter training, education, fire prevention, investigative, special operations and technical rescue programs. The timely delivery of these essential services enables the Office to make significant contributions to the safety of all of New York State.

About DHSES

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other man-made and natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter, or visit dhses.ny.gov.

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