Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 10, 2024. When this annual event occurs, 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, [because] you only have about two minutes to get out,” said Mark Thomas, Interim CEO for the Illinois Red Cross. “Every second counts, when there is a home fire! The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When you turn your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms, too, to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”
Over the past year, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help 8110 people across the Region affected by disasters like home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the Country.
TURN your clocks forward this weekend. TEST your smoke alarms. REPLACE the batteries if needed.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• Replace smoke alarms that are ten 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! That is 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. 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.
If you need help, if you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms, or if you are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Visit SoundTheAlarm.org or call 1-800 Red Cross for assistance.