By Julie Swisher

For those of you who have taken the batteries out of your smoke alarms, ripped them off the wall and shoved them in a corner because the incessant beeping has driven you to the brink of madness, do not be alarmed. There is an option available which may save your life.

According to national data, home fires claim seven lives every day in the United States. Having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half. That is why the American Red Cross of Alaska is rallying volunteers to install free smoke alarms around the state this month, including in North Pole — which was selected as this year’s Sound the Alarm Signature City in Alaska. Even though Santa might get a free smoke alarm early this year, installs are available to all, from Ester to Delta and all communities in between.

The goal, of course, is to make homes safer and minimize fire fatalities. In addition to that, The Red Cross is hoping to install more than 100 alarms around the Interior, help those in the community create a two-minute fire escape plan, and share safety information on home fires and other local disaster risks.

For those who need new alarms installed, your current alarms tested, or who hadn’t given a thought to the matter until this very moment, consider this alternative to living without an essential tool that could save your life. The best part? They are free.

In 2024 alone, The Red Cross has installed more than 500 smoke alarms statewide and has served more than 20 communities on and off the road system.

For those who may be hearing or visually impaired, or may have mobility issues, there are alternative options to the traditional alarm. Bed Shakers and strobe lights are also available and free of charge to the homeowner.

Unfortunately, Red Cross is unable to service businesses but does encourage business owners to install, test and practice fire drills within the workplace to ensure worker safety.

For home fire safety information check out this link and are given to families during an installation. This includes encouraging families and individuals to have a safety plan, teaching children what smoke alarms sound like and practicing a fire drill.

Some other tips include having alternative escape routes in the home and establishing a meeting spot outside the home. Keep exits clear of debris and furniture. “Turn and test” alarms and fire extinguishers often by setting an alarm on your phone or when you change your clocks in the spring and autumn. And for those who do not have one, purchase a Carbon Monoxide detector.

The average time it takes to escape a home fire, which is the nation’s most frequent disaster, is two minutes. By the time you have read this article, you might have surpassed the allotted time given to exit your home during a fire.

Do yourself a favor and take advantage of this free service. The smoke alarms are good for 10 years, powered by a lithium-ion battery. Book an installation. It could just save your life, and the lives of those most precious to you.

Information on obtaining a free smoke alarm, volunteering or more on installation events can be found by visiting soundthealarm.org/Alaska.