The organization representing the state's 130,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel would like to see people get into the habit of changing the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a year, and the date to switch to Standard Time from Daylight Savings Time, Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 a.m., is when they suggest it is done.

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York says it is a simple step to ensure they are working properly, and is also a chance to check those detectors and determine whether it’s time to replace them outright.

“For homeowners who did not change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in the spring, it is critical they do so in November,” said FASNY President David Jacobowitz.

“Smoke and CO alarms are the first line of defense against the deadly effects of fire and carbon monoxide," jacobowitz said. "Install one on every floor of your home, including the basement, and in or near sleeping areas. Make sure the detectors are installed according to manufacturers’ instructions – in the case of smoke detectors, high up on ceilings or on walls.”

Jacobowitz continued: “When installing CO detectors, there are different types, some mounted to ceilings, some close to the floor and plugged into electrical outlets. Never install either type near windows or other ventilation sources, where drafts may prevent them from working properly.”

Last year, a new carbon monoxide detector law called “Amanda’s Law” went into effect, requiring such detectors to be installed in single-family and two-family homes, dwellings in condominiums or co-ops, and multiple dwellings, regardless of the date of construction or sale. The detector must meet New York State standards, and be installed in an operable condition in dwellings where there are appliances or systems that might emit carbon monoxide, or those that have an attached garage.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, every year about 2,600 Americans die in home fires. Over half of these deaths (52%) occur between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M., when residents are typically sleeping. The USFA adds that the risk of dying from a fire in a home without working smoke alarms is twice as high as in a home with working smoke alarms.

Safety tips provided by FASNY & National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

· ALWAYS follow manufacturers’ instructions for the use and placement of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

· Test smoke alarms / CO detectors at least once a month by pressing their “test” button.

· Familiarize yourself with the types of “beeps” or alarm sounds emitted by your device. Generally, there are different sounds indicating a true emergency, low battery or the end of life for your device. Start by reading the packaging and instruction manuals for your devices.

· Clean the units by vacuuming or dusting in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

· Install new batteries in all smoke alarms / CO detectors at least once a year on the day you change your clocks in the spring or fall.

· Do not paint over smoke alarm/CO detectors.

· Because smoke rises, smoke detectors should be mounted high on walls or ceilings.

· Smoke alarms / CO detectors should not be installed near a window, door or forced-air register where drafts could interfere with their operation.

· Notify your local fire department when your detector sounds and you have verified that your device is not simply sounding due to low batteries.

· If it is a real activation, call 911 and evacuate immediately.

· To avoid potential CO exposure, do not warm a vehicle in an enclosed garage space. During and after a snowstorm, make sure all vents connected to stoves, furnaces, and fireplaces leading outside are clear.

For more information on smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and other information on fire safety and prevention, visit www.fasny.com and www.nfpa.org