Red Cross Offers Free Smoke Alarms

Red Cross volunteers will install smoke alarms at no cost and provide essential fire safety education (File Photo – redcross.org)

A new survey conducted for the American Red Cross shows that many Americans significantly overestimate how long they have to escape a burning home, an assumption that could prove deadly.

By Melanie Hooks

Fire experts warn that people may have as little as two minutes to get out safely once a fire starts.

Despite this, 62 percent of Americans believe they have at least five minutes to escape, more than double the actual time. Nearly 18 percent think they have ten minutes or more, a misconception that experts say can lead to dangerous delays during an emergency.

In response, the American Red Cross is expanding its “Sound the Alarm” campaign, offering free smoke alarm installations to help families better protect themselves. According to the organization, working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death from home fires in half.

Red Cross volunteers will install smoke alarms at no cost and provide essential fire safety education during a brief 30‑minute appointment.

Residents can schedule an installation by visiting www.redcross.org/LAHomeFire or calling (310) 445‑9914.