As daylight saving time approaches on March 11, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is reminding residents to replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries. FASNY President David Jacobowitz stresses that working detectors are crucial for fire safety, recommending placement on every floor and near sleeping areas.
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that home fires kill 2,600 Americans annually, with most fatalities occurring at night. The risk of dying in a fire doubles without functional smoke alarms. FASNY and the National Fire Protection Association advise testing alarms monthly, changing batteries yearly, and keeping detectors clean.
For carbon monoxide safety, FASNY warns against warming vehicles in enclosed spaces and urges homeowners to clear vents after snowstorms to prevent buildup.