Media Contact: Taylor Poisall
(559) 513-1656 | taylor.poisall2@redcross.org

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA, MARCH 6, 2026 — Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 8 and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure 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 safely get out,” said Daniela Aguilar, Regional Preparedness Manager, Central California Region. “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 daylight saving time starts this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”

In the first few months of 2026, local Red Cross volunteers have responded to help 295 people across Central California affected by 72 home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.

SMOKE ALARMS When turning your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. 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 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
• Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make 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.
• 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.
   

GET INVOLVED Community members are invited to support the work of their local Red Cross by volunteering to Sound the Alarm about home fire safety in Coalinga on March 21 or Lost Hills on March 28. In just a few hours, you can help make a lasting impact for neighbors. No experience necessary. Sign up to volunteer at SoundTheAlarm.org/CCR.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,284 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 you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires. 

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS PARTNER State Farm^® is the National Sound the Alarm Sponsor. Their funding helps our efforts to build safer, stronger, better-educated communities. For decades, State Farm has teamed up with the Red Cross in support of home safety, disaster preparedness and relief efforts. State Farm is committed to helping individuals and families manage everyday risks like home fires by sponsoring Sound the Alarm.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or follow us on social media.