Red Cross asks you to TEST your smoke alarms as you TURN your clocks back this weekend

Working smoke alarms cut risk of home fire deaths in half

[OCT. 30, 2025] - Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 2 and the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the devices are working.

"When you change your clocks this weekend, take two more steps to protect your family: test your smoke alarms and practice your home fire escape plan," said Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. "You may have as little as two minutes to get out safely during a home fire. Every second counts and being prepared can make all the difference to help prevent a tragedy in your home."

Over the past year, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help more than 6,100 people across Pennsylvania affected by more than 1,500 home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.

Smoke Alarms

When turning your clocks back this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching "American Red Cross" in app stores.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm's manufacturer instructions.
• Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes - the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it's too late.
• Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor's home or a landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

   

If You Need Help

If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Visit SoundTheAlarm.org/GreaterPA for more information.

Home Fire Campaign Saves Lives

Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,508 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.

Thank You To Our Generous Partner

State Farm® is the National Sound the Alarm Sponsor. Their funding helps our efforts to build safer, stronger, better-educated communities. For decades, State Farm has teamed up with the Red Cross in support of home safety, disaster preparedness and relief efforts. State Farm is committed to helping individuals and families manage everyday risks like home fires by sponsoring Sound the Alarm.

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. Follow the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania on social media: Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.