Red Cross urges residents to test smoke alarms as clocks spring forward
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The American Red Cross is reminding residents to test their smoke alarms as they set their clocks forward for daylight saving time this weekend.
Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 8. The Red Cross encourages households to check smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed to ensure the devices are working properly.
“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to safely get out,” said Michael Sullivan, executive director of the Red Cross of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire, and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place.”
The Red Cross recommends installing smoke alarms on every level of a home, including inside and outside sleeping areas. Alarms that are 10 years old or older should be replaced because sensors can become less sensitive over time.
Families are also encouraged to create and practice a home fire escape plan that allows everyone to exit the home in two minutes or less — the amount of time a person may have to escape a burning home. Plans should include at least two exits from every room and a designated outdoor meeting place a safe distance from the house.
Residents who cannot afford smoke alarms or are unable to install them may request a free home fire safety visit from the Red Cross at Smoke Alarm Request | Missouri Red Cross.
Since launching its Home Fire Campaign in October 2014, the Red Cross says it has helped save at least 2,577 lives by educating families about fire safety, creating escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country.
More information about fire safety and creating a home escape plan is available at Home Fire Prevention & Safety Tips | American Red Cross, and the free Red Cross Emergency app can be downloaded from major app stores.
