Spring forward, and check your alarm

Daylight Saving Time starts Sunday

This weekend is time to “spring forward” as Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday.

While turning your clocks ahead by an hour, you should also test your smoke alarms and be sure they are working, the American Red Cross advises.

“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to get out,” said Melissa Venable, executive director, American Red Cross of Northern Colorado. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When you turn your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms too to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”

Since the beginning of the year, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help nearly 30 people in Northern Colorado affected by home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.

The Red Cross website offers several resources related to fire safety at redcross.org/fire and offers a free Red Cross Emergency app.

When it comes to smoke alarms, they recommend installing them on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Smoke alarms that are 10 years or older should be replaced, as components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time

If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for help. Local fire departments also may offer programs to provide smoke alarms and change batteries for those in need of assistance.