Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 9, 2025. The American Red Cross asks everyone to TURN their clocks forward one hour and TEST their smoke alarms.
The Red Cross responds to about 65,000 disasters every year and most of them are home fires. To help prevent fire-related deaths and injuries, the Red Cross launched the Home Fire Campaign in 2014. So far, the campaign is credited with saving more than 2200 lives in the U. S. Through the support of our community partners and volunteers, the campaign has installed almost 2.7 million smoke alarms and helped to make 1.1 million homes safer.
Fire is the Nation’s most frequent disaster. Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. So, it is critical to “Turn and Test” and take the following lifesaving steps, to stay safe from home fires.
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year if your model requires it.
Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Check the date of your smoke alarms; follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Practice your two-minute escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes–the amount of time you may have to get out of a burning home, before it is too late. Include at least two ways to get out from every room; select a meeting spot at a safe distance away.
Teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like. Talk about fire safety and what to do in an emergency.
Visit redcross.org/fire for more information. You can also download our free Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.
Our volunteers are at the heart of our mission and represent 90% of the Red Cross workforce. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to sign up for opportunities with the Red Cross. Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives.