NEW ULM — The American Red Cross advises everyone to test their smoke alarms to ensure they work as they turn their clocks back this weekend.

“Every second counts when there’s a home fire. The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place,” said Southern Minnesota American Region Cross Executive Director Melanie Tschida. “When daylight saving time ends this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”

Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. You only have about two minutes to safely get out, according to the National Fire Protection Association (MFPA).

New Ulm Fire Chief Paul Macho echoed the advice.

“We tell people to check their smoke alarms twice a year, at both time changes,” said Macho. “It’s a g

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