REMINDER: That’s right! This Sunday is Daylight Savings, when the clocks will spring ahead and give us more daylight in return. Since Daylight Savings only arises twice a year, it serves as an excellent bi-yearly reminder to test your smoke alarms.

Did you know working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half? That’s why it’s critical to “Turn and Test,” at least twice a year, and take these lifesaving steps to stay safe from fires in the home — the nation’s most frequent disaster:

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year if your model requires it.

Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. That’s because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Check the date of your smoke alarms and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like and practice your two-minute escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to get out of a burning home before it’s too late. Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or a landmark such as a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows where to meet.

For more information visit the Red Cross at redcross.org/fire, including an escape plan to practice with your family.