On April 1st, a new law will go into effect that requires all battery operated smoke alarms that are sold within New York State, are the ones that include a sealed, non-replaceable battery that will last 10 years. The average lifespan of current battery operated smoke detectors is approximately 10 years as well.

So if you purchase a new smoke detector or a smoke and carbon monoxide detector, you will no longer have to worry about changing the batteries, or someone removing the batteries to use in another battery operated device.

According to WIBX, approximately 3000 Americans die every year due to fires in their homes. The majority of those homes either did not have a smoke alarm, or the alarm was disabled.

Battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms that just detect CO and not smoke, are not affected by this new law.

The National Fire Protection Association suggests that you have at least one carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your home, including your basement, and one in or near every bedroom. They also suggest that you have a smoke alarm installed on every level of the home and inside each bedroom.

Even though these new smoke detectors are a little bit more expensive than the disposable battery operated ones, you will save money in the long run because you won't have to purchase and replace the batteries.

Besides, it could save your life or maybe even the lives of your entire family. So it is definitely worth the minor investment.

If you can't afford smoke alarms, the American Red Cross might be able to help you. Click here for more information on that.

And speaking of free smoke alarms, the American Red Cross is looking for volunteers to help install free smoke alarms. For more information on that click here.

More From 98.1 The Hawk