The New Kensington Fire Department once again will collaborate with the American Red Cross to install free smoke alarms in houses across the city this month after success from the same initiative four years ago.
In 2022, the department and Red Cross volunteers installed about 400 smoke alarms as part of the “Sound the Alarm – Save a Life” campaign, New Kensington Fire Chief Ed Saliba Jr. said.
This year, Saliba is hoping to surpass that number, but installing even one smoke alarm will make the event a success in his eyes.
“Smoke detectors are your first line of alertness whenever there is a fire,” he said. “The quicker you are alerted to get out, the better it is.”
Most house fire fatalities happen in resident-owned homes without working detectors, he said.
According to the Red Cross, seven people die every day in house fires across the country.
Installation during the April 18 campaign will only takes about 15 minutes per home and will include a quick fire-safety and escape plan presentation, Saliba said.
Leading up to the day, the department will pass out doorknockers and place yard signs to notify residents to sign up for installation.
Residents can schedule an appointment by contacting the Red Cross at 833-315-0882, Saliba said.
Homeowners often don’t realize their smoke detectors don’t work, he said.
Per City of New Kensington code, rental properties must have working detectors and have to be inspected by a city code enforcement officer before new tenants can lease it.
Saliba said it’s best practice to have an alarm in each sleeping room and at least one on each level of a house.
Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years and tested once-a-month, according to the Red Cross.
A working alarm beeps three times when you press the test button, according to the Red Cross.