MID-HUDSON It’s been a cold and snowy winter with indoor activities common.
Health and fire officials throughout the Hudson Valley are urging homeowners and renters alike to check their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Homeowners with alarms that have sealed, non-removable batteries should test the alarms to see if they are functional and check their expiration dates. Alarms equipped with removable batteries should have their batteries replaced.
The Firefighters Association of New York State (FASNY) sadly reported last week that the Empire State currently led the nation in home fire deaths in 2025.
Putnam’s FASNY delegate Edward Butler said, “working smoke alarms save lives. Three of every five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms or in homes lacking smoke alarms while 25 percent of all smoke alarm failures are caused by dead batteries.”
“Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are critical to saving lives during emergencies, added FASNY President John Farrell, who noted, “We encourage all New Yorkers to check their smoke and CO alarms monthly to ensure that they are functional. The additional time a smoke or CO alarm provides can be the difference between life and death. In addition, fire sprinkler systems are proven to save lives, and these systems should be installed whenever possible.”
In 2019, a New York State was passed requiring all newly installed or replacement smoke alarms to be powered by a 10-year, sealed, non-removable battery, or hardwired to the home. It banned the sale of smoke alarms with removable batteries. Smoke alarms equipped with sealed-in, non-removable batteries are nearly impossible to disable and require little maintenance. If you’re not sure when you last replaced the batteries or bought a smoke alarm. purchase a new one with 10-year batteries.
Carmel Fire Chief Vincent Ruggerio also advised testing at least once a month, installing at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home, including the basement, and also in, or near each sleeping area.
Meanwhile, Putnam Health officials reminded residents not to forget about carbon monoxide detectors.
Health Director Rian Rodriguez described carbon monoxide as a “colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that provides no warning signs, even when enough is present to cause serious health effects—or even death. Often called the ‘silent killer,’ carbon monoxide is created when fuels are burned without sufficient ventilation. When these fumes build up indoors, they can quickly become harmful; sometimes without anyone realizing it.”
Carbon monoxide originates from common household appliances including furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, generators, and space heaters. Unvented fuel-burning space heaters can be especially risky because they release gases directly into the room. Rodriguez called it “important to never use a gas stove or oven to heat a home. This can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to build up, and lead to serious health problems such as brain damage, heart problems, and even death.”
Rodriguez added there is good news when it comes to carbon monoxide poisoning. “It is preventable. Make sure fuel-burning appliances are properly installed and well-maintained. Never run cars, grills, or generators inside your garage or home and make sure to keep generators at least 20 feet away from the doors and windows of your home.”
Comments