Daylight Saving Time began Sunday at 2:00 a.m. The American Red Cross and the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority reminds everyone it’s also a good time to test the batteries in their smoke alarms.

It’s also a good time for everyone to take these steps to make sure their household is prepared for emergencies.

• Install smoke alarms. If someone doesn’t have smoke alarms, they should install them. At a minimum, put one on every level of the home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Check local building codes for additional requirements.

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

• Get a kit. Keep disaster supplies in an easy-to-carry bag to use at home or carry in case ordered to evacuate.

• Make a plan. Have all household members plan what steps they should take if an emergency occurs.

• Be informed. Learn what emergencies can occur in the area and how officials notify residents should a disaster occur.

The Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, launched in October 2014, is a multi-year nationwide initiative to reduce deaths and injuries caused by home fires by 25 percent. As of January 31, 2017, the Red Cross and its partners have helped to save at least 159 lives and installed more than 702,000 smoke alarms in 9,100 cities and towns nationwide.

Through programs like The Pillowcase Project, the campaign has also helped teach more than 707,000 young people about home fire preparedness and safety.

People can visit redcross.org to find out more about how to protect themselves and their loved homes from fire and other emergencies. Contact Allison DeDonato at to find out about smoke alarm installation events throughout Washington and northern Idaho.

Fire fact: There are more homes in this country with nonworking smoke alarms, than homes without any smoke alarms.