State and local fire officials are using Daylight Saving Time as a reminder to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

The annual “Spring into Safety” campaign includes ensuring all devices are working properly and that alarms more than 10 years old are replaced. In addition, fire officials said spring is a good time for families to create or review a home fire escape plan.

“You want to have a common understanding and meeting plan where everyone should go” in the event of a fire, said Roger Sigular, battalion fire chief with the Jamestown Fire Department. “Whether the neighbors’ front porch or in the driveway, a place where everyone can be counted.”

“That’s one of the first things we’re looking at,” Sigular continued. “We want to make sure everyone is accounted for.”

A heavy emphasis on the “Spring into Safety” campaign includes smoke and carbon monoxide detector education. The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) said batteries in the alarms should be checked on a regular basis. A bill signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo set to take effect in 2019 will require all smoke detectors sold in the state to be equipped with sealed-in, non-removable batteries that last for at least 10 years.

“The new law … marks an important step in improving New York’s fire safety,” FASNY said.

The state fireman’s association pointed to research from the National Fire Protection Association that concluded three out of every five deaths involving fire occurred in a home without a functioning smoke detector. The majority of alarm failures are due to dead or missing batteries, the national fire protection organization found.

“Smoke alarms are the single most importance appliance found in every home,” said Ken Pienkowski, FASNY president, in a statement. “FASNY urges all New Yorkers to conduct routine, simple maintenance to ensure these lifesaving devices are in proper order. We strongly encourage New Yorkers to install 10-year smoke alarms, which cannot be easily deactivated. Equally important is installing and maintaining carbon monoxide alarms, which are also critical in protecting life.”

The local chapter of the American Red Cross is also reminding area residents to check devices as spring approaches. In 2014, the Red Cross began its “Home Fire Campaign,” which includes a series of home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events. The Red Cross sometimes partners with local fire departments to provide free smoke detectors to those who request one in addition to providing education on home safety and escape plans.

According to Dan Hartman, communications program manager for the Western and Central New York Region of the Red Cross, since the program’s inception, the non-profit has provided 198 free smoke detectors in Chautauqua County and 56 in Cattaraugus County.

“The Red Cross asks everyone to help Sound the Alarm in Western and Central New York, and be part of the nationwide Red Cross effort to help reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by home fires,” Hartman said in a statement.

FASNY recommended the following tips for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: test the alarms at least once a month by using the test button; check batteries every six months and change at least once every year; blow any dust that collects in the devices; do not borrow a battery from an alarm to use elsewhere; install at least one smoke detector on every floor, including the basement or near each sleeping area; and develop and practice a home fire escape plan in the event of a fire.