Red Cross of Utah urges residents to test smoke alarms as daylight saving time begins
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The American Red Cross of Utah is marking the start of daylight saving time with the start of Utah Turn and Test March Smoke Alarm Challenge. This effort urges residents to test their smoke alarms and replace batteries on Sunday, March 9, 2025, when they turn their clocks ahead.SALT LAKE CITY — As Utahns prepare to set their clocks forward for daylight saving time this Sunday, March 9, the American Red Cross of Utah is reminding residents to check their smoke alarms as part of the Utah Turn and Test March Smoke Alarm Challenge. The annual campaign encourages people to test their alarms and replace batteries to ensure their homes are protected against fire emergencies.
“One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your home and family is to have working smoke alarms,” said Michael Smauldon, executive director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter. “Working smoke alarms can mean the difference between escaping a home fire unharmed and facing a tragedy.”
Home fires remain a serious threat. According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 325,000 home fires occurred nationwide last year, resulting in over 2,600 deaths and approximately 11,000 injuries. The organization also reports that working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by about 60 percent, yet many home fire deaths occur in homes without properly functioning alarms.
“Smoke alarms are the first line of defense in a home fire,” Smauldon said. “This weekend, take a moment to test your smoke alarms to ensure they’re working properly and safeguarding your family.”
To help Utah residents stay safe, the Red Cross of Utah is offering free smoke alarms, installation services, and fire safety education through partnerships with local fire departments and community organizations. Families can schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation at SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah.
During these free home visits, Red Cross volunteers provide smoke alarm installation, fire safety resources and prevention guidance, and assistance in creating a home evacuation plan.
“Most people don’t realize they only have about two minutes to escape a home fire,” Smauldon explained. “Fire safety knowledge and proper planning can make all the difference in an emergency.”
The Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, launched in October 2014, has already saved at least 2,284 lives through smoke alarm installations, escape plan development, and fire safety education. Last year alone, the Red Cross of Utah responded to over 150 home fires, providing aid and temporary shelter to more than 800 residents.
For more information on fire safety, smoke alarm installation, and how to protect your family, visit redcross.org/homefires.
