Spring Forward to Safety: Red Cross offers smoke detectors in daylight saving time campaign
With daylight saving time this weekend, the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada is reminding residents to check and replace smoke detector batteries and is offering a no-cost smoke alarm installation through its Home Fire Campaign.
This is a free service and there is no obligation to Northern Nevada residents. During the installation visit, Red Cross volunteers will also customize evacuation plans and share education information.
Daylight saving time is this Sunday, March 10, 2 a.m. where clocks are moved ahead by 1 hour.
To request a free smoke alarm installation, contact the Red Cross hotline number at 775-954-1185. Leave a name, address, zip code and phone number. Callers will receive a return call within 48 hours.
A working smoke alarm can be key to saving lives. Consider these facts:
— On average, seven people die every day from a home fire
— You have two minutes to escape a burning house
— Three of every five home-fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms
— Smoke alarms cut the risk of death from fire in half
If your home does have working smoke alarms, remember to practice your fire escape plan with family members twice a year; have a meeting spot where everyone can meet at a safe distance, and make sure your plan has two ways to escape every room. Want to learn more? Visit redcross.org for information and tips on preventing home fires.