Red Cross asks Utah families to test smoke alarms before clocks change
Home fires jump by 20 percent in late fall, and volunteers are offering free device installations across the state.
By William Turner ·
The end of daylight saving time arrives at 2 a.m. Sunday, prompting a seasonal reminder for residents to check their home safety equipment. The American Red Cross is using the weekend to ask Utahns to test their smoke alarms as the state enters its peak fire season.
Jeremiah Lafranca, the executive director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter, noted that home fire incidents increase by roughly 20 percent nationwide in November and December. He attributed the rise to increased indoor cooking and the use of various heating sources. So far in 2026, Red Cross volunteers have responded to approximately 140 home fires in Utah.
The urgency of functional alarms stems from the limited time occupants have to exit a burning building. The National Fire Protection Association states that families often have less than two minutes to escape once a fire starts. Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by about 60 percent, according to that data.
Lafranca said the organization wants residents to establish a routine of checking their devices. He asked people to use the weekend to press the test button and confirm the units sound. He emphasized that this simple habit helps ensure safety during the colder months.
The Red Cross provides specific guidelines for maintaining these devices. It recommends testing alarms monthly and replacing them every 10 years, regardless of whether they still appear operational. For units with replaceable batteries, the group advises changing the batteries every six months.
Placement is also a factor in safety. Lafranca said homes need enough alarms to cover every level, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. The Red Cross offers free installations for residents who lack working devices or need assistance checking them. Volunteers can install up to three smoke alarms in a home at no cost.
The organization also provides specialized alert devices, such as bed shakers, for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. To schedule an appointment, residents can call 1-800-733-2767 or visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah. Clocks will turn back one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday.
