LOS ANGELES, March 5, 2025 – Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 9 and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks forward 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 Joanne Nowlin, CEO of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “Every second counts during a home fire and having working smoke alarms and being prepared is crucial. Through Sound the Alarm we equip families with the skills and tools needed to be ready.”

SMOKE ALARMS When turning your clocks back 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.

SOUND THE ALARM, FREE HOME FIRE SERVICES The Red Cross Sound the Alarm campaign has been ongoing since 2014 and has saved at least 2,284 lives nationwide from the threat of home fires, which claim seven lives every day in the U.S. Through the campaign, the Red Cross provides resources for communities across the country to learn more about fire safety through an on-site tutorial and installation of working smoke alarms.

This spring, Red Cross LA will continue the life-saving program with the support of community partners to deliver its standard services, including Sound the Alarm events from March 15 – April 5 across Los Angeles County to install free smoke alarms.

REQUEST A HOME FIRE SAFETY VIST Visit redcross.org/LAhomefire to schedule an appointment. During 20-minute appointments, volunteers will share information on the causes of home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts and how to create an escape plan.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED Help save lives through the campaign by becoming a volunteer or making a financial donation to prepare, respond and help families recover from home fires. Learn more at redcross.org/LAhomefire

Sound the Alarm, East Los Angeles

March 15, 2025, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Sound the Alarm, Lomita

March 22, 2025, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Sound the Alarm, South Los Angeles

April 5, 2025, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m

This work is made possible thanks to generous financial donations from regional partners: Edison International, Harbor Freight Tools Foundation, SoCalGas Company, California Resources Corporation, LA Health Care.

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/la or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.