Albany, NY - June 24, 2015 - Firemen’s Association of the State of New York President Robert McConville today issued the following statement after the New York State Senate voted to pass S2696 – which requires that all battery operated smoke alarms sold in New York State be equipped with non-removable, sealed-in batteries capable of powering the device for at least 10 years. The bill has now passed in both the Senate and the Assembly.

“As firefighters, we frequently encounter the horrific effects of fires in homes without working smoke alarms,” said FASNY President Robert McConville. “This bill makes New York State a safer place and will undoubtedly go a long way towards preventing future home fire deaths. FASNY thanks New York State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan and New York State Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle for their leadership on this issue, and commends the entire legislature for prioritizing the safety of all New Yorkers. We look forward to working with the Governor in the coming weeks to see this bill become law.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, three out of every five home fire deaths in the United States takes place in a home without working smoke alarms. Firefighters frequently encounter smoke alarms that have been disabled or are missing batteries.

About FASNY
Founded in 1872, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of the more than 90,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York State.  For more information, please click here.