Daylight saving time begins on March 10 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 get out,” said Mark Thomas, Interim CEO for the Illinois Red Cross. “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 you turn your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms too to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”
Over the past year, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help 8,110 people across the region affected by disasters like home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.
JOIN THE VOLUNTEER FORCE THAT HELPS WHEN EMERGENCIES STRIKE The American Red Cross will hold a Disaster Responder Academy from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 23 in the Red Cross office, located at 2674 N. Main St. In Decatur.
During this one-day event, participants will be able to become a fully-qualified local Disaster Response Volunteer. Participants will meet other volunteers and Red Cross staff members as they become prepared to answer the call the next time there’s a home fire or other disaster in the community.
To sign up for the training or to learn more visit https://tinyurl.com/DecaturDAT24 or call 309-207-5266.
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.
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. Visit SoundTheAlarm.org or call 1-800 Red Cross for assistance.
HOME FIRE RESPONSE Red Cross volunteers responded to 8 home fires in Centralia, Mount Vernon, Springfield and Louisville in the past week and provided assistance to 21 people, by 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 1-800 Red Cross.
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.
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