Daylight Saving Time goes into effect on Sunday, March 12, and the Firefighters Association of the State of New York are reminding all residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Daylight Saving Time changes twice a year, and fire officials have long associated the change with a reminder to check your various household detectors. Alarms equipped with removable batteries should have those batteries replaced. Homeowners with sealed, non-removable battery alarms should test the alarms to make sure they’re still functional, and to check their expiration dates.

“The additional time a smoke or CO alarm provides can be the difference between life and death. says 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.”

According to FASNY, New York currently leads the nation in home fire deaths in the first two months of 2023, with 36 deaths across the state. Three out of every five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms, according to the National Fire Prevention Association.

Smoke alarm tips:

• 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. 
• Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home, including the basement, and in, or near each sleeping area.  
• Smoke alarms should not be installed near a window because drafts could interfere with their operation.  
• Families should also develop and practice a home fire escape plan. 
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for testing smoke alarms and replacing the batteries. 

New York State has banned the sale of smoke alarms with removable batteries. FASNY officials said 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.