As Daylight saving time ended November 5, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as clocks turn back to make sure the alarms are working.
“Following this past Sunday, take a moment and check your smoke alarm to make sure it is working properly,” said Linda Braddy, CEO, Red Cross North Texas Region. “Home fires claim more lives every year than all natural disasters combined. Having working smoke alarms in your home can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can wake your family and get out safely.”
Through October of this year, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help more than 470 people in Panhandle Plains affected by more than 170 home fires, which account for most of the more than 60,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.
When turning back clocks, test smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with one’s family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.
Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow the alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
Practice a two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in the household can get out in less than two minutes, the amount of time someone may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late. Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from the home, such as a neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in the front yard, where everyone can meet.
If someone cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Visit redcross.org/ntxhms to register for free smoke alarms and home installation.
Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 1,969 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how anyone can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.