Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 30, 2026) — As daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 1, the American Red Cross of Utah is encouraging residents to “Fall Back, Stay Safe” by testing smoke alarms and replacing batteries when they turn their clocks back.

The Fall Back, Stay Safe reminder comes as Utah families prepare for colder weather and the holiday season, when increased cooking, heating and holiday decorating can raise the risk of home fires. Nationwide, the Red Cross responds to nearly 20% more home fires during November and December than at other times of the year.

“When a fire starts in a home, families may have less than two minutes to escape,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter. “Working smoke alarms can make all the difference. As Utah families turn their clocks back this weekend, taking a few minutes to test smoke alarms and replace batteries could help save a life.”

Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives
Working smoke alarms can reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by about 60%, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). While 4% of homes do not have smoke alarms, approximately 20% of homes with smoke alarms have alarms that do not work, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

About three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. An average of nearly 330,000 home fires occur nationwide each year, resulting in about 2,600 deaths and nearly 11,000 injuries, according to NFPA data.

So far this year, Red Cross volunteers have responded to 139 home fires across Utah and helped 696 people. In 2025, volunteers responded to 155 home fires and assisted 729 people. Since 2020, volunteers have responded to 1,146 home fires statewide and helped 5,307 people.

Fall Back, Stay Safe
As daylight saving time ends this weekend, the Red Cross recommends taking the following steps to help protect families from home fires:

• Test Every Smoke Alarm: Press the test button on each alarm to make sure it sounds. Test alarms monthly, not just when clocks change.
• Check and Replace Batteries: Replace smoke alarm batteries every six months. Do not open smoke alarms with sealed 10-year batteries or try to replace those batteries.
• Replace Older Smoke Alarms: Check the manufacture date on the back of each alarm and replace the entire unit when it reaches 10 years old, even if it still works.
• Make Sure Alarms Are in the Right Places: Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
• Create and Practice a Home Fire Escape Plan: Create an evacuation plan that identifies two ways out of every room and a safe meeting place outside. Make sure the plan includes everyone in the household, including pets. Practice the plan at least twice a year.
• Get Out and Stay Out: If a fire starts, leave immediately and call 911 from a safe location. Never go back inside a burning home.

Free Smoke Alarms Available to Utah Residents
The Red Cross of Utah works with fire departments and community partners to install free smoke alarms, provide home fire safety information and help residents create home fire escape plans. In 2025, Red Cross volunteers installed more than 2,000 free smoke alarms in homes across the state. To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah.

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.