BUTLER TWP — The American Red Cross and the Butler Township Volunteer Fire District 3 on Saturday will be distributing fire safety information in Highfield, Homeacre and Lyndora.

Red Cross staff, firefighters and volunteers will canvass these areas of the township from 9 a.m. to noon. This is part of the Red Cross’ Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, which aims to reduce deaths and injuries from house fires by 25 percent over five years.

Information given out will include instructions on getting a free smoke alarm. A registration form also will be given to residents.

Once filled out by the homeowner and dropped off at the Butler Township Municipal Building, 290 S. Duffy Road, firefighters will contact the homeowner to make an appointment to install the alarm.

Mike Blessel of Meridian, a firefighter and local Red Cross board member, said he was pleased with the campaign.

“While the alarms will not prevent fires, they do give people a chance to get out of their homes safely and call 911 for immediate assistance. We hope everyone takes advantage of the offer of a free smoke alarm. Every home should have one or more,” Blessel said.

The Red Cross recommends smoke alarms on every level of a house and in each bedroom, with residents replacing the batteries at least once a year and testing them once a month.

It also recommends developing a household fire escape plan, with two ways to escape each room and a designated meeting place outside the house, and practicing it at least twice a year.

“We’re pleased to partner with the Butler Township Volunteer Fire District to conduct this campaign and install the smoke alarms where needed,” said Victor Roosen, regional disaster officer for the Western Pennsylvania Region of the Red Cross.