The American Red Cross installing free smoke alarms in homes again this year

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The American Red Cross has been installing free smoke alarms in homes for almost ten years now, and this year they're back at it.

"Smoke alarms can cut the risk of death in these home fires by about half. So it's important that we have these events to go around to these communities and install these smoke alarms, just trying to help save lives when we can." said Regional Communications Manager, Jayce Eustice.

They've already started looking for volunteers for next month's event. Last year, they installed over seven thousand smoke alarms with help from dozens of volunteers.

"You learn how to install them and not only do you go into the homes and install them but you also provide them with information as far as how to prevent fires, what to do when they happen, just make sure that your family is safe in the event of a home fire." said Eustice.

For more information on volunteering, click here.