During the winter months, home fires caused by heating and electrical equipment become more common. About half of all home heating fires occur during the months of December, January and February, according to research by the National Fire Protection Association.
Additional NFPA research shows that the death rate per 1,000 reported home fires is more than twice as high in homes that do not have any working smoke alarms.
To combat this increased fire danger, the Red Cross of Alaska is providing free smoke alarm installation and emergency preparedness planning through the Home Fire Campaign.
Last year the Red Cross installed 2,170 free smoke alarms in 670 households across the state, according to a news release from Red Cross Alaska. Red Cross Regional Communications Officer Cari Dighton said that 376 smoke alarms have been installed in 109 homes just on the Kenai Peninsula since the program started in 2015.
The smoke alarms provided by the Red Cross use lithium batteries and are good for 10 years, and Dighton said there is no limit on how many smoke alarms can be installed per household.
“One common thing is that people have alarms set up near bathrooms and kitchens, but it’s important to have them inside bedrooms, hallways, living rooms and other common areas as well,” Dighton said.
During a scheduled installation, Dighton said that the Red Cross volunteers will also come up with a preparedness plan with families to determine their best escape route in the event of a fire.
In addition to having smoke alarms inside bedrooms, outside of sleeping areas and on every floor of a residence, the Red Cross recommends testing smoke alarms every month to ensure they are working.
The free smoke alarm installation service is available year-round, and Kenai Peninsula residents can call 907-232-2698 to schedule an appointment.
