(Des Moines) As daylight saving time ends, the American Red Cross urges everyone to test their smoke alarms while adjusting their clocks to ensure the devices are functioning properly.
In the past year, local Red Cross volunteers assisted more than 1,100 people in Iowa affected by over 300 home fires. Home fires account for the majority of the approximately 65,000 disasters the Red Cross responds to annually across the U.S.
As you turn your clocks back this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed.
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older, as components like sensors may become less effective over time. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone can exit within two minutes, which is often the maximum time to safely escape a fire.
Ensure at least two exits for each room and designate a meeting spot at a safe distance from your home, like a neighbor’s house or a specific tree in the yard.
If you cannot afford smoke alarms or are physically unable to install them, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for assistance.
Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, in collaboration with community partners, has helped save nearly 2,200 lives by educating families about fire safety, creating escape plans, and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk communities. To learn more or get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.
