Daylight saving time begins on March 10th and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks forward to make sure the devices are working. Over the past year, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help 8,110 people across the region affected by disasters like home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country. When turning your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Visit SoundTheAlarm.org or call 1-800 Red Cross for assistance.