Over 200 volunteers in Erie and California, Pennsylvania, installed over 230 free smoke alarms during two Home Fire Campaign events held to coincide with Global Youth Service Day on Saturday, April 22, 2017.

In Erie, the Red Cross partnered with Youth Leadership of Erie and SERVErie for an event that targeted the city’s Lower East Side. Over 100 alarms were installed. The California event was held in partnership with California University and the California Volunteer Fire Department. Over 130 alarms were installed.

The American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign is a five-year effort designed to reduce the number of home fire-related deaths and injuries by 25%. The Red Cross partners with community volunteers to canvass neighborhoods that experience a high rate of home fires and are less likely to have working smoke alarms. Volunteers go door-to-door, installing free smoke alarms as needed and educating the residents on the importance of having and practicing home fire escape plans.