Daylight Saving Time 2016: Consider Changing Your Smoke Detector in Larchmont

LARCHMONT, NY — Love it or hate it, this Sunday, Nov. 6, we turn our clocks back an hour at 2 a.m. — and that includes Larchmont and Mamaroneck.

That is the official time for the change. But if you have an analog clock — you know, ones that don’t change automatically, such as your smartphone or computer — you will probably want to turn your clocks back before you retire for the night.

For convenience and safety’s sake, fire-fighting professionals have long advocated checking the batteries of your smoke detector at the same time you adjust your clocks.

Making sure your smoke detector has fresh batteries is still a good idea, but with a new law going into effect Jan. 1, 2017, in New York State, it may now be time to consider buying brand new smoke detectors.

See also: Hudson Valley: Check Smoke Alarms When Changing Clocks, Says NY Red Cross

The Assembly and Senate in New York passed a law — and Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed it — mandating that stores only sell smoke detectors with non-removable, non-replaceable batteries.

Additionally the smoke detectors must last for a minimum of 10 years.

During National Fire Prevention Week in October, New Rochelle’s Fire Chief Louis DiMeglio said the smoke detectors have a date of manufacture printed on the back of the device.

Ten years from that date — not the date it was purchased — is when the detector should be replaced, fire officials said.

Patch file photo.