Red Cross Smoke Alarm Program
Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.
Chief Hovind and Captain Caruana discussed the importance of fire safety and emergency preparedness on WGIL's Morning News on March 3, 2025.
Do you need a smoke alarm? Complete this form to see if you are eligible for FREE smoke alarms.
SAFETY TIPS
- Install smoke alarms outside:
- each sleeping area,
- on every level of the home, including the basement.
- Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
- Interconnected smoke alarms are best. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
- Test all smoke alarms once a month.
- A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall.
- Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10' from the stove.
- People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms that have strobe lights and bed shakers.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.