Woodlands households should test every smoke alarm as clocks fell back Sunday, Nov. 1, the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region said.

Daylight saving time ends that morning, and the organization says the time change is a built-in reminder to make sure alarms work, according to a statement posted on Woodlands Online.

Edward Blanchard, regional disaster officer for the Texas Gulf Coast Region, said in the statement that every second counts when there's a home fire. The sooner an alarm alerts a household, the sooner people can reach safety, he said.

The Red Cross shared several steps households should take:

  • Put smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Swap out any alarm that is 10 years old or older.
  • Test alarms once a month and change the batteries at least once a year if the model requires it.
  • Create a fire escape plan with two ways out of every room. Pick an outdoor meeting spot. Practice at least twice a year.
  • Make sure children know what an alarm sounds like and what to do when they hear one.

The organization also flagged common mistakes:

  • Never leave cooking unattended. Most kitchen fires start on stovetops, not in the oven.
  • Do not leave candles or heating appliances running while asleep or away from home.
  • Do not throw water on a grease fire. Smother the flames with a lid, or keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Keep anything flammable away from stoves and space heaters.

The Woodlands Fire Department holds an ISO Class 1 rating, the highest possible for fire protection, according to The Woodlands Township's emergency preparedness page. The township also recommends families practice a home fire escape plan.