As daylight saving time and our clocks move forward late tonight and early Sunday morning, officials with the American Red Cross are also urging that right now is the perfect time to test smoke alarms in the home — and make sure batteries are replaced, and devices are working.
Joel Sullivan, regional executive officer in Tennessee, said effective smoke alarms can cut the risks of death in a home fire in half, as occupants have about “two minutes to safely get out” of a burning building.
Since the beginning of 2025, Red Cross volunteers have already responded to more than 420 home fires in Tennessee — enough to impact more than 1,400 people. Annually, the organization expects to respond to at least 65,000 house fires across the nation.
The American Red Cross also advises families and loved ones to create escape plans, or to download the free Red Cross Emergency app in app stores. Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from the home, such as a neighbor’s home, or a landmark like a specific tree in a front yard, where everyone can meet.
Smoke alarms should be on every level of the home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Any such devices that are 10 years, or older, should be replaced.
