FARMINGTON — As people turn their clocks back this weekend for the end of Daylight Saving Time, the Red Cross in Connecticut asks everyone to also test their smoke alarms.

The threat of home fires — most often caused by cooking and heating equipment — increases with the holidays and cold weather. Follow the steps below to prepare your household. For more information, visit redcross.org/homefires.

*Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Place them inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas;

*Test smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed. It’s also a great time to check carbon monoxide alarms;

*Practice your home fire escape plan. Include at least two ways to get out of every room. Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home. Practice your plan until everyone can escape in two minutes or less.