Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 1, and the American Red Cross South Florida Region encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the devices are working.

Home fires are the most frequent disaster the Red Cross responds to, and working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. The Red Cross encourages everyone to use the time change as a reminder to check their smoke alarms and make sure their families are prepared to escape a fire safely.

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.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old 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. 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 a safe distance away from your home, such as a neighbor's home or a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

IF YOU NEED HELP If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. The South Florida Region and its partners may provide and install free smoke alarms for eligible households, as resources allow. To learn more or request assistance, visit the South Florida Home Fire Campaign.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES The American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign works with community partners to help prevent home fire tragedies by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in homes that need them.

In South Florida, the Red Cross and its partners have installed more than 35,001 smoke alarms, created more than 15,339 escape plans and helped make more than 16,882 households safer through the Home Fire Campaign. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international aid; and supports military families. The Red Cross depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public. Visit redcross.org/southflorida or follow @SFLRedCross.