The American Red Cross is encouraging everyone to take the time to check their smoke alarms while turning back their clocks on November 2nd. In 2025, local Red Cross volunteers have responded to help nearly 2,000 people in Iowa affected by over 500 home fires. The Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, launched in October 2014, has helped save at least 2,284 lives just by educating families about fire safety. Red Cross offered these tips about smoke alarms: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older because components in the alarms can become less effective over time. Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan.
