The Troy Record is reporting a new law went into effect this week that bans the sale of smoke alarms with removable batteries within New York state. The measure was signed into law in 2015. Beginning April 1, the only battery-powered smoke alarms permitted to be sold in New York are those equipped with sealed-in, non-removable batteries capable of powering the device for at least 10 years. The law does not require homeowners to immediately replace their current smoke detectors. However, homeowners and landlords must upgrade their smoke detectors before selling or renting a home or apartment. According to the National Fire Protection Association, three of every five home fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms or working smoke alarms. The US Fire Administration reports, as of March 27, the state of New York leads the nation in civilian fire deaths for 2019. From April 27 to May 12, Red Cross volunteers and partners will install 100,000 free smoke alarms in more than 100 cities across the U.S. Read the full story in the Troy Record.