Red Cross offers free smoke alarms
Red Cross member Bob Walters runs a test on a new smoke alarm during a Sound the Alarm event on Sept. 27, 2025. The Sound the Alarm program installs free smoke alarms and gives fire safety advice to families. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
After more people died in home fires in Pennsylvania than any other state in 2025, the American Red Cross is helping to install smoke alarms in homes for free.
The organization’s Sound the Alarm program offers a free service where trained volunteers show up, install the alarms and walk families through an escape plan.
So far this year, the Red Cross said volunteers have responded to more than 500 home fires in the state and helped 2,000 people get back on their feet.
The Sound the Alarm program already has installed more than 167,000 smoke alarms in Pennsylvania, the Red Cross said. Those interested can request a free smoke alarm installation, become a volunteer or donate by visiting SoundTheAlarm.org/GreaterPA.
