Of course, you’ve set your clocks to the right time by now, but did you remember to install fresh batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors?
Fire Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano and representatives from the manufacturer of Duracell batteries met on Friday, March 12, at Engine 69/Ladder 28 at 248 West 143rd Street in Manhattan, to remind New Yorkers of the possible hazards they face if they forget to change their alarm batteries periodically.
Just last month, firefighters were able to rescue a man after his smoke alarm alerted neighbors, who called 9-1-1.
On February 14, a fire broke out in the apartment of 58 year-old Louis Falcone. Neighbors were alerted not only by the smoke alarm in Falcone’s apartment, but by alarms in apartments throughout the building – and rushed to notify 9-1-1.
Their actions saved Falcone’s life – he was recently released from Harlem Hospital, where he had been recovering from smoke inhalation and burns.
“This is a clear case of a working smoke alarm playing a major role in saving a man’s life from what could’ve been a deadly fire. Early notification is the first step to surviving a fire,” said Cassano.
While approximately 97 percent of homes have at least one smoke alarm, a third of those homes contain alarms with either a missing or a dead battery. By changing the batteries, residents can ensure their safety, along with the safety of others.
To help efforts, Duracell donated 75,000 batteries to the FDNY Foundation. They were distributed at locations in all five boroughs by the members of the FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit, along with fire safety information.
“We’re honored to be partnering with the FDNY in their efforts to deliver important fire safety information to New Yorkers,” said Craig Bida, brand manager of Duracell. “We hope Duracell’s donation of 9-volt batteries will keep smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors powered – and help ensure the safety of New York families.”
