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

SALT LAKE CITY (March 7, 2026) — As daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 8, the American Red Cross of Utah is launching the fourth annual Utah Turn & Test Smoke Alarm Challenge, urging Utahns to test their smoke alarms when setting their clocks forward.

Smoke alarms are the first line of defense in a home fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Smoke Alarms in U.S. Home Fires report, working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by about 60%. Most home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or with alarms that don’t work. Given the importance of working smoke alarms, the Red Cross of Utah is dedicating the month to emphasizing families not only have smoke alarms but also making sure they work properly.

“One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect a home is having working smoke alarms,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter. “They can mean the difference between a safe escape and tragedy.”

Home Fires Remain a Serious Risk
Home fires are the nation’s most frequent disaster. NFPA estimates the U.S. had about 329,500 home fires in 2025, and research shows each year home fires cause an average of about 2,600 deaths and 10,500 injuries.

In Utah, Red Cross teams have responded to 1,008 home fires since 2020, helping 4,649 people with emergency assistance. In 2025, Red Cross volunteers responded to 154 home fires and assisted 728 people. Trained disaster volunteers provide immediate aid, including temporary shelter, emotional support and recovery resources to Utahns facing home fires.

Turn & Test Safety Tips
As daylight saving time starts Sunday at 2 a.m., the Red Cross encourages Utahns to take a few quick steps to improve home fire safety:

• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older, as sensors can become less effective over time.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
• Practice a home fire escape plan. Fire experts warn families may have as little as two minutes to escape safely during a fire.

Free Smoke Alarms and Fire Safety Help
To help reduce the risk of home fires, the Red Cross of Utah works with fire departments and community partners to install free smoke alarms and share fire safety information. During home visits, volunteers also help families create escape plans that include everyone in the household, including pets. Residents can schedule an appointment at SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah.

Red Cross Home Fire Campaign Saves Lives
Since 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has helped save more than 2,500 lives nationwide through smoke alarm installation, fire safety education and escape planning. To learn more about home fire safety and the campaign, 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% 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.