March 11, 2022 3:20 a.m.

With daylight saving time beginning on Sunday, the American Red Cross Cascades Region is asking residents to turn their clocks forward 1 hour and test smoke alarms at the same time.

Red Cross Disaster Officer Rebecca Marshall said working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.  Marshall said as many as 7 people in this country die in a home fire every day. Marshall offered this advice:

*Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and batteries should be replaced at least once a year, if required by model

*Smoke alarms that are 10 years or older should be replaced as the sensor becomes less sensitive over time

*Residents should practice a 2-minute escape plan. Make sure everyone in the home can get out in less than 2 minutes. Include at least 2 ways to get out from every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from the residence

*Teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like. Talk about fire safety and what to do in an emergency

Go to www.redcross.org/fire for more information.