Press-Republican

Local News

October 31, 2009

Daylight savings fire-safety tips

PLATTSBURGH — State officials are reminding residents to replace the batteries in smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors when Daylight Saving Time ends today.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working alarms.

"Smoke alarms are one of the best safety devices you can buy," Firemen's Association of the State of New York President Thomas J. Cuff Jr. said in a news release.

"Daylight Saving Time is the perfect time to replace the batteries in smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors. A task that only takes a minute or two can ultimately save so many lives."

To help keep detectors working properly, officials suggest that residents test them each month, keep them free from dust, never paint over them and change the batteries at least once a year.

Though detectors alert people to fires, officials said families still need to develop and practice escape plans.

At least one smoke alarm should be installed on every floor of a home. It should be mounted on high on walls or on ceilings, away from windows.

More information about smoke-detector safety can be found at www.nfpa.org.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
New Today
  • Attempted-murder trial set

    The case against Robert J. McCann, who is charged with trying to kill his former girlfriend at a secluded Westville site, begins Tuesday in Franklin County Court.

    Posted: 3 hours
Local News

Recent Article Comments
Albany Round-up

Photo of the Day
Strange News
Videos: Editor Picks
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion' 5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La. Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal $25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart