Firefighters Remind Residents to Check Fire and CO Alarms

The Firefighters Association of the State of New York is putting out its twice-a-year reminder as the clocks change this weekend back to standard time.

FASNY says residents should inspect their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Aside from the twice-a-year check when the clocks change, authorities say smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should also be tested once a month, units with removable batteries should have the batteries checked every six months and replaced every year, alarms should have dust vacuumed or blown out and no alarm should ever be painted.

The group says this has been an especially tragic year with 92 civilians in New York dying in fires even before the dangerous winter heating season starts.

FASNY encourages everyone to install sealed-in smoke alarms with non-removable batteries.  The group adds, fire sprinkler systems are also proven to save lives and recommends they be installed wherever and whenever possible.

For more information go to www.fasny.com or www.nfpa.org.