The American Red Cross is reminding residents to test their smoke alarms this weekend as daylight saving time comes to an end on Sunday.
Ken Turner, Regional Disaster Officer for the American Red Cross of Western New York, says working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire,” Turner said. “When daylight saving time ends this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”
The Red Cross responds to thousands of home fires every year — including more than 760 across Western New York last year alone, helping more than 1,200 families.
Officials recommend testing smoke alarms and replacing batteries if needed when you turn back your clocks. Alarms should be installed on every level of the home, inside and outside of sleeping areas, and replaced every 10 years. Families are also urged to practice a two-minute escape plan with two ways out of every room and a safe meeting spot outside.
Anyone who needs help installing smoke alarms can sign up for a free installation and fire safety education at soundthelarm.org/wny.
Since launching in 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has helped save at least 2,508 lives nationwide, including 53 in Western New York. More information is available at redcross.org/homefires.
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