Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 30, 2025) — As daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 2, the American Red Cross of Utah is calling on residents to take a simple yet lifesaving step: test their smoke alarms and replace batteries when setting their clocks back.
This effort is part of the third annual Utah Turn and Test: November Smoke Alarm Challenge, a month-long initiative to raise awareness about the importance of working smoke alarms in preventing home fire tragedies.
“Home fires are one of the most common and devastating disasters we respond to,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter. “Testing your smoke alarms and replacing old batteries is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your family and home.”
The Importance of Working Smoke Alarms
Home fires claim thousands of lives each year. Nationwide, over 325,000 home fires occurred last year, resulting in more than 2,600 deaths and 11,000 injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This year, Red Cross of Utah volunteers have responded to over 130 home fires, providing critical support to nearly 650 people. In 2024, our volunteers responded to nearly 160 home fires, assisting more than 725 residents.
Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by about 60%, yet many homes lack this critical protection. “Most home fire deaths happen in homes without working smoke alarms,” Smauldon explained. “This weekend, take a few minutes to test your alarms, replace old batteries and ensure alarms are installed on every level of your home.”
Free Smoke Alarms and Fire Safety Resources
To help Utah families stay safe, the Red Cross of Utah is offering free smoke alarms, installation services, and fire safety education. Residents can schedule a free home visit at SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah.
During free home visits, Red Cross volunteers and partners provide smoke alarm installation, fire safety resources and valuable guidance on fire prevention strategies. They assist families in creating evacuation plans for all household members, including pets.
“Most people don’t realize they may have as little as two minutes to escape a home fire,” Smauldon said. “Having a plan and working smoke alarms can make all the difference.”
Red Cross Home Fire Campaign Saves Lives Since
The Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has been a cornerstone of fire prevention efforts since its launch in 2014, saving more than 2,500 lives nationwide through education, escape planning and smoke alarm installation. Last year, Red Cross of Utah volunteers installed more than 2,000 free smoke alarms.
To learn more about the Home Fire Campaign or to get involved, 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.
