When turning back the clocks, people should test their smoke alarms to help protect their families from home fires — which continue to be the nation’s most frequent disaster during the covid-19 pandemic, according to the American Red Cross.
Daylight saving time ended Sunday at 2 a.m.
Since Jan. 1, American Red Cross Greater Arkansas volunteers responded to more than 450 home fires throughout greater Arkansas.
The agency helped more than 1,500 people with urgent needs such as emergency lodging, financial assistance and recovery planning, according to a news release.
“The need to protect ourselves from home fires hasn’t stopped during covid-19,” said Lori Arnold, executive director of the greater Arkansas chapter.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“That’s why it’s critical to have working smoke alarms, which can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. This weekend, take a few minutes to ‘turn and test’ to help keep you and your loved ones safe.”
HOW TO ‘TURN AND TEST’
Press the button on your smoke alarms — following the manufacturer’s instructions — and replace the batteries if needed, at least once a year if your model requires it.
Also, follow these steps:
• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. That’s because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time.
• Check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms and follow the instructions.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• Practice your two-minute escape plan, and make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes, which is the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late. Be sure to include at least two ways to get out of every room and don’t forget to select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark such as a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.
Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to practice with your family. You can also download the free Red Cross Emergency app.