Daylight Savings Time is this weekend and when everyone turns their clocks ahead, the American Red Cross reminds them to also take these steps to make sure their household is prepared for emergencies.

“It’s important for everyone to make sure their household is ready,” said Jarrett Barrios, CEO. American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “A disaster like a home fire can happen anywhere, at any time, and with the cold snap we have been experiencing in Southern California, people need to be extra cautious especially if they are using space heaters. We urge people to take these steps now and know what they should do if an emergency occurs.”

• Check smoke detector batteries. When turning the clocks ahead, take a few minutes to replace the smoke alarm batteries and push the test button to make sure the alarms are working. It’s also a great time to check carbon monoxide detectors.
• Install smoke detectors.If someone doesn’t have smoke alarms, install them. At a minimum, put one on every level of the home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Check local building codes for additional requirements.
• Practice an escape plan. Make sure everyone in the family knows how to get out of every room and how to get out of the home in less than two minutes.
• Follow the three feet rule.
• Get a kit. Keep disaster supplies in an easy-to-carry bag to use at home or carry in case ordered to evacuate.

• Make a plan. Have all household members plan what steps they should take if an emergency occurs.
• Be informed. Learn what emergencies can occur in the area and how officials notify residents should a disaster occur.

Home Fire Preparedness Campaign:In the Los Angeles Region, the Red Cross responded to 442 home fires last year. Tragically, some people lose their lives in these fires, and countless others are injured.

The Red Cross has launched the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign to reduce the number of deaths and injuries due to home fires by 25 percent over the next five years and involves Red Cross workers joining with local fire departments and community groups to visit neighborhoods at high risk for fires.

Those visits includeeducating people about fire safety through door-to-door visits and installation of smoke alarms in some of these neighborhoods.

Visit us on www.PrepareSoCal.org to take our Home Fire Preparedness Quiz and enter to win a Galaxy Tablet.