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As daylight saving time begins on Sunday (March 8), the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is reminding residents to use the clock change as a cue to test their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Experts emphasize that checking these alarms can prevent tragedies in the event of a fire.
FASNY President Ken Pienkowski highlighted the importance of this practice, stating, "The end of Daylight Savings Time is the perfect opportunity to check your smoke alarm batteries." He encouraged New Yorkers to update their fire safety measures, especially as the colder months approach and heaters are turned on.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms, often due to dead or missing batteries. FASNY recommends that alarms with removable batteries should have their batteries replaced, while those with sealed-in batteries should be checked for functionality.
Residents are also advised to clean alarms to remove any debris that could affect their performance. In addition, FASNY encourages families to create and practice a home escape plan. For more fire safety tips, visit FASNY's website.