YONKERS – Some 200 new smoke detectors were installed Saturday in southwest Yonkers as part of a nationwide American Red Cross effort to improve safety in homes.
State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins of Yonkers said smoke detectors “save lives by warning us about potentially life-threatening situations and giving us time to act and evacuate when necessary.”
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nationally, the risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half when there is a working smoke alarm present.
The American Red Cross in Metro North York North responds to close to 200 incidents a year, which are predominantly home fires. Since the beginning of this year, the agency has responded to 21 fires in Yonkers, helping 51 families and assisting 193 people.
The new devices, installed by volunteers, were tamper-resistant with long -life batteries. Governor Cuomo last month signed legislation that will require all smoke detectors sold in New York to have a minimum battery life of 10 years and be tamper-resistant by April 1, 2019.
Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, podium left, with Mary Young of the Red Cross
