Oct. 29. When turning back your clocks this Sunday, test your smoke alarms to help protect your family from home fires — which continue to be the nation’s most frequent disaster during COVID-19.

In 2020, American Red Cross volunteers have responded to more than 860 home fires in the Greater Carolinas to help more than 1,100 families with urgent needs like emergency lodging, financial assistance, and recovery planning.

 “The need to protect ourselves from home fires hasn’t stopped during COVID-19,” said Allison Taylor, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of the Greater Carolinas. “That’s why it’s critical to have working smoke alarms, which can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. This weekend, take a few minutes to ‘turn and test’ to help keep you and your loved ones safe.”

 How to  ‘Turn and Test’ 

Press the button on your smoke alarms, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and replace the batteries if needed — at least once a year, if your model requires it. 

Also follow these steps:

*Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. That’s because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms and follow the instructions.

*Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.

*Practice your two-minute 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 landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to practice with your family.