Reno Fire Department Partners with American Red Cross to Provide Free Smoke Alarms | News

The Reno Fire Department (RFD) is reminding residents to check their smoke alarms as we "fall back" this weekend for Daylight Saving Time, and for those without smoke alarms, the American Red Cross can provide them at no cost.  

To request a free smoke alarm through the the Reno Fire Department and American Red Cross partnership, residents can contact the Red Cross of Northern Nevada at 775-954-1185.

Smoke alarms are installed by Red Cross volunteers who will also customize evacuation plans and share information during the installation visit. Last year, Red Cross volunteers installed more than 400 free smoke alarms in homes throughout northern Nevada. 

“There is no question that smoke alarms save lives,” said Fire Marshal Tray Palmer. “Properly maintained and installed smoke alarms play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out.” 

The Reno Fire Department is asking residents to test smoke alarms and change the batteries in all home smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors if needed.

If an alarm chirps, a warning that the battery is low, homeowners should replace the battery right away. 

Roughly three of every five home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (38%) or no working smoke alarms (21%), according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). 

The RFD has provided the following some smoke alarm tips:  

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home.  
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.  
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms. 
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working. 
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside. 
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home that are 10 years past the original manufacturer date.. 

For information on smoke alarms and other fire safety information, contact the Reno Fire Prevention Bureau at 775-334-2300 or visit nfpa.org.

(RFD assisted with this report.)