March 7, 2024 – The Red Cross reminds residents to test their smoke alarms and check the batteries when springing forward an hour for Daylight saving time on March 10.
“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to get out,” said Mark Thomas, Interim CEO for the Illinois Red Cross. “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. When you turn your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms too to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”
Other home fire safety tips include:
· Installing 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.
· Practice a two-minute home fire escape plan.
If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Visit SoundTheAlarm.org or call 1-800 Red Cross for assistance.
Visit redcross.org/fire for more information.
