American Red Cross Urges Nationwide Smoke Alarm Tests as Daylight Saving Time Ends

As Daylight Saving Time ends, fire safety organizations including the American Red Cross and state fire marshals are urging residents to test, inspect, and replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are functioning properly. Working smoke alarms can reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by about 50-60%, but many fire deaths occur in homes without alarms or with non-working alarms, often due to dead or missing batteries. Experts emphasize replacing smoke alarms every 10 years, upgrading to 10-year sealed battery models, and installing alarms on every level of the home including inside and outside sleeping areas. Residents are also encouraged to practice a home fire escape plan that includes at least two ways out of every room and a designated meeting spot outside. The Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has helped save thousands of lives by providing free smoke alarms and fire safety education, and offers assistance to those unable to afford or install alarms. These reminders highlight the importance of early fire detection and preparedness, as escape time in a fire can be less than two minutes.