Red Cross Asks: TEST Your Smoke Alarms as You TURN Your Clocks Forward

Daylight saving time began March 10, and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks forward to ensure the devices are working.

"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 Scott O'Connell, regional disaster officer for the Red Cross of Montana. "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."

Since January 1, local Red Cross volunteers have helped 122 people in Montana affected by 38 home fires. Home fires account for most of the about 65,000 disasters the Red Cross responds to annually nationwide.

Following a home fire, Montana Red Cross volunteers help meet families' most immediate needs, including food, clothing, and shelter. Red Cross teams also connect families with mental health support and spiritual care and help replace medications and medical equipment.

SMOKE ALARMS: Test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed when turning your clocks forward this weekend. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, 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.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.

• Replace smoke alarms that are ten years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm's manufacturer's instructions.

• Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Ensure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes - the time you 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 your home, such as your neighbor's home or landmark, like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

IF YOU NEED HELP: If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or cannot install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Go to http://www.soundthealarm.org/montana to sign up for a free home installation.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVE LIVES: Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,030 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 to get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.