Daylight Saving Time: Turn your clocks forward and test your smoke alarms

March 6, 2023 — American Red Cross volunteers responded to 18 home fires in Chicago, Ford Heights, Park Forest, Hanover Park, Homewood, Franklin Park, and Waukegan in the past week and provided assistance to 83 individuals, including 22 children, through supplying them with basic items to meet immediate needs after a fire, and additional support in the form of health and mental health services and one-on-one support.  

If you or someone you know needs assistance after a home fire or local disaster, please call our dispatch line: (877) 597-0747. 

Daylight Saving Time – “Turn and Test”

Daylight saving time begins this Sunday, March 12, and the American Red Cross of Illinois reminds everyone to TURN your clocks forward one hour and TEST your smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half, that’s why it’s critical to “Turn and Test” and take these lifesaving steps to stay safe from home fires — the nation’s most frequent disaster:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year if your model requires it.
• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. That’s because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Check the date of your smoke alarms and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Practice your two-minute escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to get out of a burning home before it’s too late. Include at least two ways to get out from 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 knows where to meet.
• Teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like. Talk about fire safety and what to do in an emergency.

Visit redcross.org/fire for information on setting up your home fire escape drill and to learn more about home fire safety. Download our free Emergency app by searching for “American Red Cross” in app stores or visiting redcross.org/apps.

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 Twitter at @RedCross.