Turn Clocks Ahead for Daylight Savings Time

Daylight Saving Time was this past weekend and the American Red Cross wants to remind everyone to TEST the batteries in their smoke alarms as they TURN their clocks ahead an hour. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying from a home fire in half. 

The American Red Cross urges people to take these steps now and know what they should do if an emergency occurs.

• Checks smoke alarm batteries. Test smoke alarms once a month. Change the batteries at least once a year- if your model requires it. Place smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms. 
• Install smoke alarms. If someone doesn't have smoke alarms, install them. At a minimum, put one of every level of the home, inside the bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Check local building codes for additional requirements.
• Practice an escape plan. Make sure everyone in the family knows how to get out of every room and how to get out of the home in less than two minutes.
• Get a kit. Keep disaster supplies in an easy-to-carry bag to use at home or carry in case ordered to evacuate.
• Make a plan. Have all household members plan what steps they should take if an emergency occurs.
• Be informed. Learn what emergencies can occur in the area and how officials notify residents should a disaster occur. 

RED CROSS APPS: People can download the all-inclusive Red Cross Emergency app which combines more than 35 emergency alerts to help keep the user safe. Users can find the apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

SOUND THE ALARM: The Red Cross asks everyone to help Sound The Alarm in Western and Central New York, and be part of the nationwide Red Cross effort to help reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by home fires. As part of the Home Fire Campaign, the Red Cross is joining with fire departments and community groups nationwide to install free smoke alarms in homes that need them. For more information, or to schedule an alarm installation, please visit www.soundthealarm.org/wcny.

WHAT PEOPLE CAN DO: People can visit redcross.org/homefires to find out more about how to protect themselves and their loved homes from fires. They can become a Red Cross volunteer by visiting redcross.org/volunteer or by contacting their local chapter. They can also help by donating to Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations to Disaster Relief will be used to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

-Angela Lorusso
Communications Intern