Every year, many people die from smoke inhalation in house fires due to malfunctioning smoke alarms.
WVIK's Mike Poletto reports this fall, the local Red Cross will hold its third annual "Sound the Alarm" program.
Sound the Alarm provides new smoke detectors and installation to anyone who needs them. Executive Director of the Quad Cities chapter, Amber Wood, says smoke detectors are critical safety tools for homes and apartments.
This year, the Red Cross has 700 smoke detectors available. Wood says there are no requirements to get them installed for free.
At the same time, the agency is reminding all homeowners and renters to check smoke detectors to make sure they have one on every floor, they actually work, and to replace them if they're more than five years old.
To receive a new smoke detector, or volunteer to install them, go to Sound the Alarm or call the Red Cross headquarters in Moline at 309-743-2166. The alarms will be installed between September 23rd and mid-October. The Red Cross will also provide training for the volunteers.
