Red Cross urges residents to test smoke alarms and replace batteries as Daylight Saving Time ends
As daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 2, the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada is calling on residents to take a simple yet lifesaving step: test their smoke alarms and replace batteries when setting their clocks back.
This effort is part of the third annual Turn and Test: November Smoke Alarm Challenge, a month-long initiative to raise awareness about the importance of working smoke alarms in preventing home fire tragedies.
“Home fires are one of the most common and devastating disasters we respond to,” said Bridget Posson, Executive Director for the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “Testing your smoke alarms and replacing old batteries is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your family and home.”
The importance of working smoke alarms
Home fires claim thousands of lives each year. Nationwide, more than 325,000 home fires occurred last year, resulting in more than 2,600 deaths and 11,000 injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association. This year, Red Cross of Northern Nevada volunteers have responded to more than 70 home fires, providing critical support to nearly 225 people. In 2024, our volunteers responded to nearly 100 home fires, assisting over 325 residents.
Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by about 60 percent, yet many homes lack this critical protection.
“Most home fire deaths happen in homes without working smoke alarms,” Posson explained. “This weekend, take a few minutes to test your alarms, replace old batteries and ensure alarms are installed on every level of your home. Most people don’t realize they may have as little as two minutes to escape a home fire. Having a plan and working smoke alarms can make all the difference.”
Red Cross Home Fire Campaign saves lives
The Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has been a cornerstone of fire prevention efforts since its launch in 2014, saving more than 2,500 lives nationwide through education, escape planning and smoke alarm installation. Last year, Red Cross of Northern Nevada volunteers installed more than 1,200 free smoke alarms.
To learn more about the Home Fire Campaign or to get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent 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, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
