As Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 6, 2022, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back, to help stay safe from home fires. Seven people loss their lives to home fires every day in United States.
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. 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 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 a landmark like a specific tree in your front yard–where everyone can meet.
HOME FIRE RESPONSE–American Red Cross volunteers responded to three home fires in Lyndon, South Beloit, and Dixon, IL, in the past week. They provided assistance to 87 individuals, including 24 children. It included supplying them with basic items to meet immediate needs after a fire, and additional support in the form of health and mental health services and one-on-one support. Volunteers responded to fires in Whiteside, Winnebago, and Lee Counties.
IF YOU NEED HELP–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 help.
HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES–Since October 2014, the “Red Cross Home Fire Campaign” with community partners has saved at least 1414 lives across the Country. They did so, by educating families about fire safety; helping them create escape plans; installing more than 2.4 million, free smoke alarms in high-risk neighborhoods. Visit redcross.org/homefires for more information.