NORTH TEXAS — When turning back your clocks this Sunday, test your smoke alarms to help protect your family from home fires. Home fires continue to be the nation’s most frequent disaster during COVID-19.

In the past year, North Texas volunteers responded to more than 350 home fires across the region to help 1,700 people with urgent needs like emergency lodging, financial assistance and recovery planning. Nearly a third of the overall fire events for the year happened last month. As cooler temperatures prevail in the area, we know that we will see an increase in the number of fire events. Preparing your homes and your family for a home fire does not take long, prepare today.

“The need to protect ourselves from home fires hasn’t stopped during COVID-19,” said Keith Rhodes, chief executive officer, North Texas Region. “That’s why it’s critical to have working smoke alarms, which can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. This weekend, take a few minutes to ‘turn and test’ to help keep you and your loved ones safe.”

HOW TO ‘TURN AND TEST’

Press the button on your smoke alarms, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and replace the batteries if needed — at least once a year, if your model requires it. Also follow these steps:

• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. That’s because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms and follow the instructions.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• 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 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.

Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to practice with your family. You can also download the free Red Cross Emergency app (search “American Red Cross” in app stores).