Red Cross Urges North Carolinians to Test Smoke Alarms as Clocks Fall Back This Weekend

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA — As North Carolinians prepare to turn their clocks back this weekend for the end of daylight saving time, the American Red Cross is urging residents to take a few extra minutes to test their smoke alarms — a simple action that could save lives.

“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half,” said Sharonne Hayes, Regional Communications Manager for the American Red Cross of North Carolina. “You may only have about two minutes to escape a fire, so the quicker you receive that alert, the better your chances of getting to safety. As you turn your clocks back, take a moment to test your smoke alarms — it’s a small step that makes a huge difference.”

Testing Smoke Alarms Can Save Lives

According to the Red Cross, home fires remain the most common disaster in the U.S., accounting for the majority of the 65,000 emergencies the organization responds to each year. In North Carolina alone, Red Cross teams have assisted more than 6,500 residents affected by nearly 2,000 home fires so far this year.

To help families stay safe, the organization encourages everyone to test smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed. Residents should also make sure alarms are installed on every level of the home — including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas — and replace any units that are 10 years or older, as sensors lose sensitivity over time.

“Every second counts when there’s a home fire,” Hayes added. “When a smoke alarm sounds, you have roughly two minutes to get everyone out safely.”

Plan Ahead: Practice Your Two-Minute Escape

The Red Cross also recommends that families practice their home fire escape plan at least twice a year. Every plan should include:

• Two ways out of every room — such as a door and a window.
• A safe meeting spot outside, like a neighbor’s house or a landmark tree.
• A plan that ensures everyone can exit in under two minutes.

Families can visit redcross.org/fire for free tools to create a home escape plan and download the American Red Cross Emergency App for additional safety resources.

Help for Those Who Need It

For residents who cannot afford smoke alarms or are physically unable to install them, the Red Cross may be able to help. Through its Home Fire Campaign, volunteers and community partners have been installing free smoke alarms in high-risk neighborhoods across the country since 2014.

That initiative has already saved at least 2,284 lives, according to Red Cross data, by combining education, installation, and escape planning.

State Farm Helps Support Fire Safety Efforts

The Red Cross also expressed gratitude to State Farm®, the national sponsor of the Sound the Alarm campaign, for its continued support of home safety and fire prevention efforts.

“For decades, State Farm has partnered with the Red Cross to build safer, stronger, better-prepared communities,” the organization said.

A Simple Reminder: Turn Back, Test, and Stay Safe

As daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 2, residents across the state are reminded to “Turn Back and Test” — turning clocks back one hour and testing every smoke alarm in the home at the same time.

With colder months ahead and heating systems running longer, fire risks tend to increase — making now the perfect time to check alarms and update escape plans.

To learn more about the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, find local fire safety resources, or volunteer, visit redcross.org/homefires.