Date/Time
Date(s) - 11/06/2022
12:00 am

Categories No Categories

Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Brian Williamsen | Regional Communications Manager
(309) 204-7655 (Cell) | (312) 907-0520 (24/7 Media Line) | brian.williamsen@redcross.org
Red Cross: Turn your clocks back, test your smoke alarms
this weekend to help stay safe from home fires

Local Red Cross Volunteers Help 11 People Affected by Home Fires in the Past Week
October 31, 2022 – As daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 6, the American Red Cross encourages
everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to help stay safe from home fires.
When turning your clocks back this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed.
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.
• 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 your alarm’s 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 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.
Home Fire Response
American Red Cross volunteers responded to six home fires in Charleston, Edinburg, Opdyke,
Pocahontas, Salem and Staunton in the past week and provided assistance to 11 individuals, through
supplying them with basic items to meet immediate needs after a fire, and additional support in the form
of health and mental health services and one-on-one support.
If you or someone you know needs assistance after a home fire or local disaster, please call our dispatch
line: (877) 597-0747.
Home fires are the most frequent disaster and claim seven lives every day in the U.S. Working smoke
alarms can cut the risk of death in a home fire by 50 percent.
Download the Red Cross Emergency app for detailed home fire prevention and safety tips. Visit

redcross.org/apps or search “American Red Cross” in app stores to download the app, which is
compatible with Apple Watch and Android wearable devices.
If you would like to help people affected by home fires and other disasters, please visit
redcross.org/volunteer to sign up as a Red Cross disaster volunteer.