A Message From the Syosset Fire Department

With Daylight Saving Time beginning on Sunday, March 13 at 2 a.m., the urges all residents to perform a check of their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to make sure they are properly installed and have a functioning battery. 

Homeowners should also comply with the new carbon monoxide detector law that took effect last year in February. Amanda’s Law requires that homes with appliances or systems that may emit carbon monoxide, or have an attached garage have a working CO detector.

“Functioning smoke alarms and CO detectors could mean the difference between life and death,” said Syosset FD Chief John Capobianco. “The main purpose of each type of detector is to give people a warning to escape danger, but they will only help to save lives if they are properly maintained.  Make sure to check your detectors and change the batteries every six months.”

Syosset FD Fire Safety Officer Ken Johnson said, “Residents should also dust or vacuum their detectors to keep them free of debris, so that they can work effectively.  Establishing these habits twice a year could save the lives of you and your loved ones.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2003-2006, forty percent of all home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms, while 23% resulted from homes in which smoke alarms were present but did not operate.  The death rate per 100 reported fires was twice as high in homes without a working smoke alarm as it was in home fires with this protection. 

The Syosset FD offers these additional safety tips:

• Install a smoke alarm and CO detector near sleeping areas, as well on every level of the home including the basement.

• Read a detector's packaging and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
• Replace batteries in smoke alarms and CO detectors twice a year.
• Replace smoke alarms and CO detectors when they are 10 years old or sooner, if they are not functioning properly.

• To avoid potential CO exposure, during and after a snowstorm, make sure all vents connected to stoves, furnaces, and fireplaces leading outside are clear.
• Also, never warm a vehicle in an enclosed garage space.