Businesses forced to sell smoke detectors without removable batteries
Since April 1, New York State businesses can't sell smoke detectors that have removable batteries in them. (File photo)
NORWICH – Fire officials said homeowners and landlords will have to swap out their smoke detectors for an upgraded 10-year sealed model next time they go to the store after a recent New York State law went into effect.
According to City of Norwich Fire Department Chief Jan Papelino, starting April 1 of this year, all businesses must sell only smoke detectors that are either a 10-year, sealed, non-removable battery or a hardwired smoke detector.
"New York State recently passed a law that went into effect on April 1st," said Papelino. "The law is requiring all businesses to sell smoke detectors that don't have removable batteries."
He said that at many of the fatal house fires fire departments deal with, they find smoke detectors without batteries in them.
"One of the biggest things we find in house fires, is that even though people have smoke alarms in their house, we find that the battery has been removed from them," said Papelino. "With the new smoke detectors that won't be an option, hopefully saving more lives."
There aren't many cons to upgrading to the new style of smoke detector, said Papelino, many individuals will see a price increase over the removable smoke detector style, but besides that there isn't much of a draw back.
"If you happen to be someone who burns dinner every once and a while, you're not going to be able to take the battery out anymore," said Papelino. "Other than that, there aren't too many cons associated with this change."
He said that the smoke detectors should still be tested every month to ensure they're in working order, but for the most part integrated batteries should reduce the amount of maintenance required.
"The bottom line is, they're going to be good for 10 years, the battery will be non-removable," said Papelino. "It's always good to have hardwired smoke alarms, but this is a really solid alternative."
He said fire departments have been pushing for this device style change for awhile, and he hopes it'll help prevent fatal fires in the future.
"I think they're a little more expensive, but it's worth the peace of mind," said Papelino. "You can't put a price on somebody's life."
He said individuals aren't required to go out and replace every old smoke detector they have if it's in working order, but Walmart, Lowes, Curtis Lumber, and a variety of other places have the new style smoke detectors in them for those who need it.
According to City of Norwich Fire Department Chief Jan Papelino, starting April 1 of this year, all businesses must sell only smoke detectors that are either a 10-year, sealed, non-removable battery or a hardwired smoke detector.
"New York State recently passed a law that went into effect on April 1st," said Papelino. "The law is requiring all businesses to sell smoke detectors that don't have removable batteries."
He said that at many of the fatal house fires fire departments deal with, they find smoke detectors without batteries in them.
"One of the biggest things we find in house fires, is that even though people have smoke alarms in their house, we find that the battery has been removed from them," said Papelino. "With the new smoke detectors that won't be an option, hopefully saving more lives."
There aren't many cons to upgrading to the new style of smoke detector, said Papelino, many individuals will see a price increase over the removable smoke detector style, but besides that there isn't much of a draw back.
"If you happen to be someone who burns dinner every once and a while, you're not going to be able to take the battery out anymore," said Papelino. "Other than that, there aren't too many cons associated with this change."
He said that the smoke detectors should still be tested every month to ensure they're in working order, but for the most part integrated batteries should reduce the amount of maintenance required.
"The bottom line is, they're going to be good for 10 years, the battery will be non-removable," said Papelino. "It's always good to have hardwired smoke alarms, but this is a really solid alternative."
He said fire departments have been pushing for this device style change for awhile, and he hopes it'll help prevent fatal fires in the future.
"I think they're a little more expensive, but it's worth the peace of mind," said Papelino. "You can't put a price on somebody's life."
He said individuals aren't required to go out and replace every old smoke detector they have if it's in working order, but Walmart, Lowes, Curtis Lumber, and a variety of other places have the new style smoke detectors in them for those who need it.
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