Red Cross offers free smoke alarms in Erie, PA

The American Red Cross is set to distribute free smoke alarms to residents in Erie, Pennsylvania. The event will take place on April 4. Volunteers will install smoke alarms in homes located in the 16503 zip code, which has the highest number of fire responses in northwestern Pennsylvania. During the event, teams will spend about 20 minutes at each residence. They will install alarms and provide tips on preventing home fires. They will also share information on what to do during a fire and how to make an escape plan. Officials from the Erie Bureau of Fire will also participate in this initiative. Residents can schedule an appointment for the installation by calling 814-240-7667. Those interested in volunteering can visit the Red Cross website for more details. This program is part of the national Home Fire Campaign, which aims to reduce fatalities caused by home fires. The targeted area in Erie has experienced significant fires in recent years. A notable incident in June 2024 destroyed several homes and affected multiple families. The Red Cross noted that working smoke alarms can reduce the risk of death in a fire by 50%. As of mid-March, Pennsylvania has reported the highest number of fire-related deaths in the United States for 2025. There have been 53 civilian fatalities in the state, with several occurring in local communities. The effort to distribute smoke alarms in Erie is ongoing. The Erie Bureau of Fire has distributed thousands of smoke detectors over the past decade. The bureau is seeking new grants to obtain more alarms. Other organizations, like the Kuhl Hose Co. in Greene Township, are also continuing their smoke alarm distribution efforts.