When clocks fall back this weekend, the American Red Cross is using the extra hour to remind Albany residents to test the batteries in their smoke alarms. The reminder comes as the region moves into colder weather, when wood stoves, electric heaters and candles are used more often and the potential for house fires rises.

Why the timing matters

“This time of year we are seeing more people using wood stoves and electric heaters, so there are more chances than not for there to be a fire of some kind,” said Mary Alice Molgard, Disaster Public Affairs Volunteer Partner for the Red Cross. Molgard explained that a functioning smoke alarm can be the difference between a quick evacuation and a tragedy.

Recent tragedy underscores the warning

Just days before the Red Cross and the Troy Fire Department installed new smoke detectors in local homes, a fire on 13th Street claimed the lives of two adults and an 11‑year‑old child. “I think that just brought awareness to the public a little bit more, and we really are doing our best to try to connect the dots for people, making sure that they understand that smoke alarms are very, very valuable,” Molgard added.

Practical steps for families

Molgard urged residents to follow a simple three‑step checklist:

• Turn clocks back an hour before going to bed on Saturday night.
• Press the test button on each smoke alarm to ensure it sounds loudly.
• If the alarm is silent or chirps intermittently, replace the battery immediately.

She emphasized that a working alarm not only alerts occupants to a fire but can also signal a cooking incident in another room, giving families time to investigate safely.

Common fire hazards in winter

The Red Cross highlighted several winter‑time fire hazards that residents should keep clear of heat sources:

• Space heaters and electric heaters that become overheated or are placed too close to flammable materials.
• Wood stoves and fireplaces with improper clearances.
• Candles left unattended or placed near curtains and paper.

“Quite often there can be furnace malfunctions; there can be wood stoves, electric heaters that either get overheated or have something too close to the heater,” Molgard said.

Community partnership

The joint effort between the Red Cross and Troy Fire Department reflects a broader community commitment to fire safety. By installing new detectors and providing education, the partnership aims to reduce the likelihood of future tragedies during the colder months.

Residents are encouraged to share the safety message with neighbors, especially seniors and families with young children, who may be most vulnerable in a fire emergency.

Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.