Effective April 1, 2019, a new NY State law requires all NEW or REPLACEMENT smoke detectors in New York State to be powered by a 10-year, sealed, non-removable battery, or hardwired to the home.

According to NYS Law 399-ccc: "It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to distribute, sell, offer for sale, or import any battery operated smoke detecting alarm device powered by a replaceable or removable battery not capable of powering such device for a minimum of ten years."

Homeowners and landlords must upgrade their smoke detectors before selling or renting homes and apartments in New York State.

You are not required to immediately replace your current smoke detectors, but any replaced or added after April 1st are required to be 10-year battery powered or hardwired. After this date, traditional removable battery smoke alarms will be unavailable for purchase in NY State.

American Red Cross -- Sound the Alarm. Save a Life.

 This spring the American Red Cross needs your help to install 100,000 free smoke alarms and raise funds for lifesaving services in more than 100 cities in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands during Sound the Alarm home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events.

One day of your life can change someone else's forever.

Join the Red Cross in your community, April 27 - May 12, 2019.

Go to https://www.redcross.org/sound-the-alarm.html to find out how to volunteer.