JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – With Daylight Saving Time ending this Sunday, the American Red Cross Association is encouraging everyone to test their smoke alarms when turning back the clocks.

The approach of the cold season also means an increased risk of deadly home fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is the second most common cause of fatalities from home fires, taking seven lives every day in the U.S.

“The Red Cross wants everyone to stay safe this winter,” said Lynn Speral, CEO of the Dakotas Region of the Red Cross. “This weekend, please take time to ‘turn and test’ to protect you and your family against the life-threatening risk of home fires.

Residents are encouraged to follow these steps:

– Check smoke alarm batteries. When turning the clocks back, 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 alarms. If you don’t have working smoke alarms, install them. At a minimum, put one on every level of the home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Visit redcross.org/homefires to request free smoke alarms from the Red Cross.

– Practice an escape plan. Make sure everyone in the household knows two ways to get out of every room and how to get out of the home in less than two minutes.