Since April 1, New York State businesses can't sell smoke detectors that have removable batteries in them. (File photo)

NORWICH – Fire officials said homeowners and landlords will have to swap out their smoke detectors for an upgraded 10-year sealed model next time they go to the store after a recent New York State law went into effect.

According to City of Norwich Fire Department Chief Jan Papelino, starting April 1 of this year, all businesses must sell only smoke detectors that are either a 10-year, sealed, non-removable battery or a hardwired smoke detector.

"New York State recently passed a law that went into effect on April 1st," said Papelino. "The law is requiring all businesses to sell smoke detectors that don't have removable batteries."

He said that at many of the fatal house fires fire departments deal with, they find smoke detectors without batteries in them.

"One of the biggest things we find in house fires, is that even though people have smoke alarms in their house, we find that the battery has been removed from them," said Papelino. "With the new smoke detectors that won't be an option, hopefully saving more lives."