NEW ULM — The American Red Cross advises everyone to test their smoke alarms to ensure they work as they turn their clocks back this weekend.

“Every second counts when there’s a home fire. The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place,” said Southern Minnesota American Region Cross Executive Director Melanie Tschida. “When daylight saving time ends this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”

Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. You only have about two minutes to safely get out, according to the National Fire Protection Association (MFPA).

New Ulm Fire Chief Paul Macho echoed the advice.

“We tell people to check their smoke alarms twice a year, at both time changes,” said Macho. “It’s a good time to check all smoke alarms. It’s also important to check carbon monoxide detectors at this time too. Replace ones that are 10 years old or more.”

He said it’s also important to practice home fire escape plans and ensure there is a meeting place outside and make sure there are two ways to escape from every room.

While turning clocks back this weekend, test smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed.

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your residence including all bedrooms.

To learn more about the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, visit SoundTheAlarm.org/MNDAKS.

For more information about the Red Cross, a non-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public, visit RedCross.org/SouthernMN.