MAINE, Maine — Smoke alarms save lives. While you are getting ready to spring forward, it's a good time to check smoke detectors.
According to the American Red Cross, working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a house fire by 50 percent.
Caroline King, executive director of the American Red Cross in Maine, said the nonprofit has kicked off the "Home Fire Campaign" in an effort to get every single house in Maine to have working smoke detectors.
The American Red Cross is out giving free smoke detectors and will come to your house to install them. Once there, volunteers will also help families plan fire escape routes.
Bangor Fire Department Capt. Patrick Heathcote said newer smoke detectors do not require a change in batteries, but it's still important to test them.
"When there is a fire, things are smoky and hazy and dark, and you need to rely back on your muscle memory and having that trained route," Heathcote said. "It becomes second nature, and you are going to know your way out of a building even if you can't see."
Heathcote said everyone should have a plan in place in case a fire does happen.
King said the American Red Cross in Maine has an "endless supply" of working smoke alarms to give out to Mainers who need them for their homes.
The organization recommends following these 2 simple steps to help keep people safe:
1. Practice a 2-minute fire drill
2. Test smoke alarms monthly
"That is really the value of a smoke alarm," King said. "It gives you just a moment to get out of your house."
"A smoke detector in a box, on a shelf, in a drawer does not protect you and your family, so I encourage folks to install them if they have them or to give us a call if you need them," King said.
"Typically it's holding the power button for a certain amount of time, and it will cause it to go into alarm," Heathcote said. "Early detection and alerting saves lives. It has been proven time and time again, so they are crucial."
If you don't have working smoke detectors, you can get them by calling the American Red Cross at 1-800-464-6692.
People can also fill out this form for the American Red Cross to come and install some. A red cross volunteer will contact you to confirm your request.