‘SOUND THE ALARM’
GLENS FALLS, N.Y. >> American Red Cross and local fire officials are teaming up to “Sound the Alarm” for more effective smoke detector use.
Beginning April 1, a new state law requires all new or replacement smoke detectors in New York to be powered by a sealed 10year, non-removable battery, or hardwired to the home. This is designed to eliminate problems with smoke alarms that have replaceable batteries, which people sometimes forget to change.
From April 27 to May 12, Red Cross volunteers and partners will install 100,000 free smoke alarms in more than 100 cities across the U.S. including Glens Falls, where 1,000 units will be installed on Saturday, May 4.
Officials launched the program Thursday by seeking volunteers to help with the May 4 distribution effort.
“Any event like this is really important to the safety of the community,” said Glens Falls Fire Chief James Schrammel. “It’s going to be a huge benefit as far as making sure people are protected.”
Seven people in the U.S. die every day in home fires, most in homes without working smoke alarms, the Red Cross says. Fire experts agree that people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out. But a properly working smoke alarms cuts the risk of death in half.
Saratoga Springs Fire Chief Joseph Nolan described the new smoke detector law as “a significant move forward.”
“I think it’s great,” he said. “Technology has finally caught up with modern times. There should be a smoke detector in every bedroom and within 15 feet of sleeping areas. We try to stress the importance of having them any time we go out on calls.”
The state Fire Code says each floor the home should have a carbon monoxide detector as well including one in or near each bedroom.
Under the new law, home owners are not required to immediately replace their current smoke detectors. However, home owners and landlords must upgrade their smoke detectors before selling or renting homes and apartments.
Only the new sealed, 10-year battery type will be available for sale after April 1. They cost more (about $20) than traditional alarms, but are less expensive over the long run by not having to make annual battery changes.
Schrammel said olderstyle smoke detectors should be tested monthly and batteries replaced when people change their clocks, like last weekend’s switch to Daylight Savings Time.
In 2014, Red Cross initiated a Home Fire Campaign to prevent needless tragedies caused by home fires. In “Sound the Alarm” events, volunteers visit atrisk neighborhoods to install free smoke alarms, help families create home fire escape plans, and provide education and resources to make homes safer.
To date, nearly 18,000 free smoke detectors have been installed in more than 6,500 homes in eastern New York.
“At least 19 local lives have been saved thanks to the efforts of our Home Fire Campaign volunteers and partners,” said Kimmy Venter, Eastern New York Red Cross spokesperson.
Beginning Thursday, volunteers may sign up to help with the Glens Falls smoke alarm distribution scheduled for Saturday, May 4.
In addition, all Glens Falls residents regardless of income level may sign up for a home visit to receive free smoke alarms and fire safety training. Teams will be out canvassing neighborhoods and fulfilling requests from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. Volunteers will install up to three free smoke alarms per home.
To sign up as a volunteer or to schedule a home visit and receive a free smoke alarm go to: www.redcross. org/STAGlensFalls.
Anyone outside Glens Falls who needs working smoke alarms can request a home visit at: www. soundthealarm.org/eny.
The smoke detector company First Alert urges residents to practice several fire safety steps. They are:
• Practice a fire escape plan. According to a recent study conducted by First Alert, only 43 percent of Americans report having a home escape plan in place. However, only a quarter (26 percent) have ever practiced it. After planning an emergency escape route, practice it at least twice a year.
• Test alarms to ensure they are in proper working condition. All alarms – regardless of the power source – should be tested monthly.
• Equip homes with the recommended number of smoke and CO alarms.
• Update alarms. If people don’t know how old an alarm is, the safest bet is to replace it immediately, as all alarms expire beyond 10 years. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, while most carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced every five to seven years.
• Dust off alarms periodically.