Crime & Safety

Reminder: Turn Your Clocks Back

Nassau County firefighters also suggest checking smoke alarms.

Daylight saving time ends tomorrow morning, Nov. 6, at 2 a.m., which means it is time to turn the clocks back one hour.

The Fireman’s Association of the State of New York reminds residents to use daylight savings time as an opportunity to remember to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.

“Using daylight saving time is a great way to remind ourselves to change our detector batteries,” said John Murray, Chief Instructor of the Nassau County Firefighters Museum. Sadly, we’ve seen cases of Long Islanders who have died from not having a working smoke detector and CO poisoning over the years. A CO detector and smoke alarm are basic safety devices that cost very little, but can make a huge difference when it comes to saving lives.”

Find out what's happening in Farmingdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, every year, approximately 2,600 Americans die in home fires. More than half of these deaths occur between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., when residents are typically sleeping. The USFA adds that the risk of dying from a fire in a home without working smoke alarms is twice as high as in a home with working smoke alarms.

Founded in 1872, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of the more than 130,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York State. 

Find out what's happening in Farmingdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Safety tips from FASNY:

  • Always follow manufacturers’ instructions for the use and placement of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Test smoke alarms / CO detectors at least once a month by pressing their “test” button.
  • Familiarize yourself with the types of “beeps” or alarm sounds emitted by your device.  Generally, there are different sounds indicating a true emergency, low battery or the end of life for your device.  Start by reading the packaging and instruction manuals for your devices.
  • Clean the units by vacuuming or dusting in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Install new batteries in all smoke alarms / CO detectors at least once a year on the day you change your clocks in the spring and fall.
  • Install a smoke alarm and CO detector near sleeping areas, as well on every level of the home, including the basement.
  • Do not paint over smoke alarm/CO detectors.
  • Because smoke rises, smoke detectors should be mounted high on walls or ceilings.
  • Smoke alarms / CO detectors should not be installed near a window, door or forced-air register where drafts could interfere with their operation.
  • Notify your local fire department when your detector sounds and you have verified that your device is not simply sounding due to low batteries.
  • If it is a real activation, call 911 and evacuate immediately.
  • To avoid potential CO exposure, do not warm a vehicle in an enclosed garage space. During and after a snowstorm, make sure all vents connected to stoves, furnaces, and fireplaces leading outside are clear.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.