Day Light Savings = Great Time to Check Smoke Alarms

by Catherine Carlton @ckecarlton, volunteer contributor

Day light savings means we spring forward an hour, we start moving toward more daylight each day and that it’s time to check your smoke alarms.

Day light savings is a great time twice a year to test the batteries in the smoke alarms.

Checking the batteries is an easy task and can save a life.

Here’s why it’s important

·         Home fires kills more than 2,500 people annually

·         Fire departments response to more than 360,000 home fires annually

·         Cooking fires account for 43 percent of the fires

·         Nearly two-thirds of all fire-related deaths are in homes with no functioning smoke alarms

·         Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in home fires by half

·         The U.S. Fire Administration recommends dual sensor alarms

As you walk around your house to adjust the clocks forward this weekend, also walk around your house and test your fire alarms. If you have a neighbor who is elderly or disabled, offer to check theirs, too.

For more information, on how to prepare your family for a home fire, please visit us online. 

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Fire Prevention Week: Show Us You're #FireSafe!

Across North Texas, the American Red Cross helps an average of five families every day after home fires. Unlike many disasters, most home fires can be prevented. In honor of Fire Prevention Week, we want to see your steps to prevent a home fire in action. Snap, caption and post your fire prevention plan for your household!

Show off your smoke detectors, fire extinguishers or other fire safety equipment and post a picture to your favorite social network (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) with the hashtag #ImFireSafe. The photo depicting the best fire prevention and preparedness will win a 3-day adult emergency kit, like this one:

*This contest will run from October 9, 2014 through October 12, 2014. Winner will be selected and announced on October 13, 2014.*

Don't forget to review home fire safety tips this week to reduce your risk!

The winning photo will win a 3-Day Adult Emergency Kit, which includes: 2,400 calorie food bars x6, 4.2 oz. water pouches x24, 12 hour light sticks x4, ponches x4, LED flashlight w/batteries x2, AM/FM radio w/speaker, headphones & batteries, 8 ounce hand sanitizer, hygiene comfort kit x4, leather palm work gloves, wrapped respirator masks x4, 2.5 gallon water storage bag, first aid kit, emergency blanket x4, whistle x4, 9'x12' plastic sheeting, duct tape, 2 rolls of toilet paper and sanitary napkins x6. All packed in our ARC 24" deluxe duffel bag.​

Good luck!

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