DALLAS, Nov. 1, 2024 — Daylight saving time ends on November 3, and the American Red Cross North Texas Region encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to ensure the devices are working.

"Working smoke alarms increase your family’s chances of safely escaping a home fire," said Adolph Aguirre, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Metro West Chapter. "As daylight saving time ends this weekend, take a moment when you turn back your clocks to test your smoke alarms, helping keep your home and family safe."

NEED A SMOKE ALARM? If you’re unable to purchase or install smoke alarms, the Red Cross may be able to assist, including free smoke alarms and fire safety preparedness. To learn more, visit redcross.org/smokealarms. To request a smoke alarm, visit redcross.org/ntxhms. You can also download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has worked with community partners to help protect families from home fires, saving at least 2,206 lives through fire safety education, escape planning, and free smoke alarm installations in high-risk areas nationwide.

Safety Tips:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• Replace smoke alarms 10 years or older, as components like sensors become less sensitive over time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan to ensure everyone can exit in less than two minutes — the average time you may have to escape a burning home.
• Include two ways to exit every room and choose a meeting spot safely away from your home, such as a neighbor’s house or a specific tree, where everyone can gather safely.

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 follow us on social media.