PADUCAH, KY., OCT. 14, 2025 — The American Red Cross Kentucky Region will be partnering with the Metropolis Fire Department to install free smoke alarms for local families during a Sound the Alarm home fire safety event in Metropolis, Ill. on Oct. 25.

“Sound the Alarm is a rewarding way to give back and directly help local families,” said Jennifer Barnett, Executive Director, American Red Cross Western Kentucky Chapter. “It’s a day of coming together to support one another, especially those most vulnerable to home fires. A working smoking alarm can be the difference between survival and tragedy — and as a community, we can help our neighbors stay safe by ensuring they have these lifesaving devices.”

IF YOU NEED A SMOKE ALARM Residents in the Metropolis area who need assistance can submit a request or visit SoundtheAlarm.org/Kentucky to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation during this Red Cross Sound the Alarm event. During the home visits, Red Cross volunteers and members of Metropolis Fire Department will also share information on the causes of home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts and how to create an escape plan.

NINETY-THREE LIVES SAVED AND COUNTING This Sound the Alarm event is a critical part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save at least 2,489 lives across the country since launching in October 2014, including 93 in the Kentucky Region.

DONATIONS HELP PROVIDE FREE SERVICES Because of generous donations, all services are free and available for people in need. Can’t join the event? Donate to the Red Cross at RedCross.org/Kentucky to help people prepare for, respond to and recover from home fires — which account for most of the U.S. disasters that the Red Cross responds to every eight minutes.

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, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.