Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation this week requiring all smoke alarms sold in St. Lawrence County and across the state to have sealed, tamper proof, ten-year batteries

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), representing volunteer firefighters in St. Lawrence County and across the state, applauded Gov. Cuomo for signing bill into law.

“Today the governor took a big step towards protecting the lives of New Yorkers and the firefighters tasked with protecting them,” said FASNY President Robert McConville. “We’ve seen time and again that working smoke alarms can be the difference between life and death. This law will no doubt go a long way towards ensuring New York is a safer place.”

The bill requires all smoke alarms sold in New York State to have sealed, tamper proof, ten year batteries, now sits on his desk after passing both houses of the legislature.

"New York State strives to be a leader among our peers across the country; and rightfully so,” McConville said. “However, in the case of fire deaths, we are a leader for the wrong reason. According to the US Fire Administration, New York consistently sits among the top three states in the nation for fire deaths – including a number three ranking as of December 16, 2015."

"Signing this bill into law will not only save innumerable lives, but will demonstrate to the nation that New York is a leader in public safety and committed to safeguarding all those within the state," McConville said.