New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta announced that the Fire Department will be distributing more than 150,000 free batteries for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the city starting in the next few days.  The 9-volt batteries are being donated by the FDNY Foundation, a non-profit group that supports many FDNY initiatives and fire safety-related programs.   

"In the wake of Wednesday night's tragedy, the message couldn't be clearer - change and test the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors," said Mayor Bloomberg.  "Everyone's heart goes out to these two families and we are all deeply affected by this tragic loss of life.  I hope everyone will take the simple steps that can prevent future tragedies like this from occurring, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are two of the best protections we have.  I want to thank the FDNY Foundation for their generous donation of these batteries and I want to thank the firefighters who put their lives on the line everyday like those here at Engine Company 68/ Ladder Company 49."

"This week's tragedy reminds us of the brutal and heart-wrenching consequences of fire and we remain committed to doing everything we can to prevent tragedies like this from occurring ever again," said Scoppetta.  "Our Fire Safety Education Unit is committed to raising awareness and saving lives."

Distribution of the batteries will take place in all five boroughs. 

The Department will be reaching out to community organizations, churches and civic groups to assist in the distribution. Fire safety tips will also be handed out by the FDNY's Fire Safety Education Unit.  The FDNY Foundation distributed 20,000 thousand batteries at various transit hubs around the city on Monday. 

In total, 170,000 free batteries will be dispensed to the public in conjunction with daylight savings time.