The American Red Cross in Syracuse, N.Y. will be providing complimentary smoke alarm installations to residents of the city on Saturday, May 4th. The local chapter of the American Red Cross, serving Central and Northern New York, is organizing the Sound the Alarm home fire safety event on that same day. Residents of Syracuse are encouraged to sign up for a home fire safety visit where they can gain valuable insights on the causes of home fires, fire prevention techniques, emergency procedures during a fire, and the development of escape plans.

Lisa Smith, the executive director of the Central and Northern New York Chapter, stressed the importance of operational smoke alarms in reducing the risk of fatalities from house fires, noting that working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death in half. The event aims to raise awareness about fire safety and provide essential resources to the community. The year 2023 saw the highest number of gas-related home explosions in decades.

Interested Syracuse residents can register on the American Red Cross website for a home fire safety visit scheduled for Saturday, May 4th. In Central New York, the American Red Cross, along with local partners, have successfully installed nearly 43,000 free smoke alarms and enhanced the safety of over 18,250 households in the region.