Red Cross, Erie firefighters to install free smoke alarms during Sound the Alarm event

[ERIE, MARCH 20, 2025] On April 4, 2025, volunteers and members of the American Red Cross Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter and Erie Fire Department will team up to install free smoke alarms for local families vulnerable to home fires during a Sound the Alarm event in Erie. This effort is part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save at least 2,284 lives since launching in October 2014.

This Sound the Alarm event will specifically focus on residents living in zip code 16503, the area with the highest rate of Red Cross fire responses in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Neighbors are encouraged to sign up for an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation by calling 814-240-7667.

During the 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers and Erie firefighters will also share information with families on the causes of home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts and how to create an escape plan. To volunteer at this event, visit SoundTheAlarm.org/GreaterPA.

WHAT: Sound the Alarm kickoff with remarks and volunteer training, followed by smoke alarm installations at area homeswhere volunteer teams will also discuss home fire safety with families.

WHERE: Erie Armory, East Sixth and Parade Street, Erie, PA 16507 (Use 5th Street entrance; park in the lower parking lot)

WHEN: Friday, April 4, 2025, 12:30 p.m. (kickoff); smoke alarm installations at area homes to follow until 5 p.m.

This work is made possible thanks to generous financial donations from regional partners: Erie Insurance, Howmet Aerospace, NiSource/Columbia Gas of PA, UGI, UPMC Hamot and UPMC Health Plan, EQT, FedEx and MSA Safety.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org. Follow the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania on social media: Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.