Red Cross makes annual announcement encouraging public to test smoke alarms

WASILLA — It’s that time of year again. Alaskans everywhere have turned their clocks forward one hour for Daylight Savings.

The American Red Cross of Alaska uses the time period to make an annual announcement to encourage the public to test their smoke alarms to prevent home fires.

“Home fires remain the nation’s most frequent disaster during COVID-19... Take a moment to test your smoke alarms to help protect your family against home fires,” American Red Cross of Alaska CEO Tanguy Libbrecht stated in a recent press release.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy declared March as Red Cross Month and chapters across the state spend the month raising awareness on ways to support their respective communities, culminating with annual Giving Day, which brings Red Cross supporters together to help families who have been impacted by a home fire or other disaster.

Alaska Red Cross volunteers have responded to a total of 22 cases after home fires this year, compared to 10 cases around this time last year.

They’ve also provided aid to 50 people with urgent needs like emergency lodging, financial assistance, and recovery planning, following more than 20 home fires across the state.

This annual reminder falls under the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign launched in 2014. The program is designed to prepare families to act quickly in the event of a home fire, reaching over 2.3 million people, and saving at least 836 lives nationwide.

According to the press release, properly functioning smoke alarms can reduce the risk of succumbing to a home fire by fifty percent.

For more information about the Home Fire Campaign, including an escape plan to practice with your family, visit redcross.org/fire.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com