Daylight Savings Time will begin this Sunday, March 12th at 2:00am. While most individuals think of Daylights Savings Time as the date to move their clocks ahead, the Red Cross is reminding everyone to also check the batteries in their smoke alarms as well.
The American Red Cross launched a nation-wide initiative in 2014, titled The Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, as a way to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by home fires. Since then, the Red Cross and their partners have saved 159 lives, as well as installed more than 702,000 smoke alarms nationwide. Through programs such as the Pillowcase Project, the Red Cross has also helped to teach nearly 707,000 children/young adults about fire safety and preparedness.
With the upcoming time change, the Red Cross is also encouraging individuals and families to take the steps needed to make their home emergency ready.
- Install smoke alarms, putting at least one on every level of your home and in and near bedrooms.
- Make a plan in case emergency strikes.
- Practice an escape plan, ensuring that every member of the household knows the plan and can exit the house in less than two minutes.
- Make a disaster supply kit that can be used at home or taken with you.
- Be informed on how emergency officials will notify residents should disaster strike.
For additional information on emergency preparedness, visit the Red Cross’ website at redcross.org.