Clocks Fall Back Nov. 1; Red Cross Urges Home Safety Checks
As daylight saving time ends, the American Red Cross on Long Island advises residents to test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure proper function.
By Carmen Wojcik ·
Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1. At that moment, clocks will move back one hour to standard time. The shift gives households an additional hour of sleep. It also brings earlier sunrises and sunsets. Daylight saving time will resume on March 14, 2027.
The American Red Cross on Long Island uses this calendar change as a cue for home maintenance. The organization asks residents to test smoke alarms while they turn their clocks. Jose Dominguez, the Chapter CEO for the American Red Cross on Long Island, stated that the timing is optimal for these checks. He noted that every second counts during a home fire. He emphasized that a working alarm alerts residents faster, allowing them to reach safety sooner.
The Red Cross provides specific guidelines for testing and maintenance. Residents should press the Test/Hush button on every unit to verify the siren sounds. They should replace standard batteries in both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, even if the devices are hardwired. Carbon monoxide detectors require replacement every five to seven years. Smoke alarms last approximately 10 years. Users should check the back of each device for the manufacture or expiration date.
Placement and cleanliness are also part of the recommended routine. A carbon monoxide detector must be installed on every level of the home. It should be located near or outside each sleeping area. Smoke alarms belong on every level, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Users should gently vacuum or use compressed air to clear dust from sensor vents once a year.
The Red Cross lists additional fire safety actions for homeowners. Households should create an escape plan with two exits from every room. Everyone in the home should know where to meet outside. Families should practice these escapes at least twice a year. Children must learn how to call 9-1-1 and recognize the sound of an alarm. Homeowners should keep chimneys cleaned and checked annually. Fireplace screens should be used to contain embers.
The organization warns against common hazards. Fires and candles should not be left burning while occupants sleep or are away. Stovetops are the most common source of kitchen fires, so people should not leave the room while cooking. Grease fires should be covered with a lid rather than sprayed with water. Flammable items like curtains and potholders should stay away from the stove. Space heaters require clear space from any material that can catch fire.
The American Red Cross offers a free Emergency app for smartphone users. The app provides weather alerts and preparedness information. It displays open Red Cross shelter locations. The interface supports English and Spanish. The app is compatible with Apple Watch and Android wearable devices. Users can find the application in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or redcross.org/apps.
