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

SALT LAKE CITY (March 11, 2023) — As daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 12, the American Red Cross of Utah urges residents to not only turn clocks forward, but also test smoke alarms and change the batteries to help prevent a home fire tragedy. In the U.S., seven people lose their lives in home fires every day, and most often these tragedies occur in homes without working smoke alarms.

“Smoke alarms, as well as carbon monoxide detectors, are the first line of defense when it comes to surviving a home fire,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Hearing your smoke alarm gives you and your family members a better chance of escaping safely from a fire in your house. That’s why it is so important when you turn your clocks forward on Sunday, you also test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.”

Home fires in the U.S. claim seven lives a day and even more in a typical year than all natural disasters combined. “But working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half,” Ruster said. “Most people don’t realize they only have two minutes to escape a home fire – and smoke alarms provide critical time to get out. Acting on this knowledge can be the difference between survival and tragedy.”

Last year, Red Cross of Utah team members responded to 200-plus home fires and helped more than 800 Utahns, providing emotional support, access to financial assistance, and valuable information to help families begin to recover, Ruster said. “Home fires, the nation’s most frequent disaster, account for most of the 60,000-plus disasters that the Red Cross responds to each year,” she said.

Make this Sunday ‘Turn and Test’ day
When turning your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed. Plus:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow manufacturer instructions.
• Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes – the amount of time you may have to safely escape a burning home.
• Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance from your home. (Neighbor’s home, specific tree, or another safe place)
  
  

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.

There’s fire prevention help available
Residents interested in fire prevention assistance can visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation. During the 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers and community partners will also share information on home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts, and how to create an escape plan.

Home fire campaign saves lives
Since 2014, the Red Cross has worked with community partners to save nearly 1,600 lives nationwide by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans, and installing free smoke alarms. To learn more about the campaign and how you can 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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.