Officials encourage smoke-alarm testing as Daylight Saving Time ends
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As daylight saving time ends Nov. 6, the American Red Cross is encouraging people to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to help stay safe from home fires.
“Home fires claim more lives in a typical year than all natural disasters combined, but working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half,” said American Red Cross regional spokesperson Kristopher Dumschat. “While changing your clocks this weekend, test your smoke alarms. It’s an easy way to protect your family, your pets, and your entire home.”
Last year in 2021, local Red Cross volunteers from across Virginia responded to help more than 4,000 people affected by approximately 1,500 home fires, which accounts for most of the more than 1,700 total disasters that the Virginia Red Cross responds to annually.
When turning your clocks back this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. Visit redcross.org/fire for details, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.
Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. You should replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older, because components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan by making sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes —the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.
Red Cross officials advise that families should 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 you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Henrico Division of Fire will provide and install one for you free of charge. Click here to request one.
