HARRISBURG – As Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend, the American Red Cross is encouraging everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back one hour to help stay safe from home fires. Home fires claim more lives 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. The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get out and get to safety. Experts say 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 as components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Practice a home fire escape plan making sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes. Last, 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.
