Red Cross asks you to TEST your smoke alarms as you TURN your clocks forward

Daylight saving time began on Sunday, March 9 and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks forward to make sure the devices are working.

“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to safely get out,” said Sharonne Hayes, Regional Communications Manager, American Red Cross North Carolina Region. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire, and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safe place. Daylight saving time this weekend is a great reminder to test your smoke alarms and help keep your family safe.”

SMOKE ALARMS When turning your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.

• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.

• Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.

• Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

IF YOU NEED HELP Home fires claim seven lives every day, but having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half. That’s why the American Red Cross is rallying volunteers to install free smoke alarms nationwide, as part of our Sound the Alarm events.

This year, we’ll install free smoke alarms, create escape plans and share fire safety information in the communities we serve. Join us for a rewarding day at a Sound the Alarm event near you. Make an even greater impact and donate to help families prepare for, respond to and recover from home fires.

Visit redcross.org/NC to find an upcoming Sound the Alarm event near you. Additionally, if you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for assistance.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,284 [DM1] lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires. 

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS PARTNER State Farm® has renewed its pledge of $1 million to the Red Cross in support of Sound the Alarm efforts to help build safer, stronger, better-educated communities. For decades, State Farm® has teamed up with the Red Cross in support of home safety, disaster preparedness and relief efforts. State Farm® is committed to helping even more individuals and families manage everyday risks like home fires by sponsoring Sound the Alarm for the second year.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or follow us on social media.