The Red Cross will help area residents take a small, but important safety measure by installing free smoke alarms throughout northwest Missouri.

The Sound the Alarm campaign is a national campaign of the American Red Cross. The goal in the northwest Missouri area is to install 300 alarms between April 27th and May 12th.

“It’s something that’s so simple and can save lives,” said Julie Pedrosa with the Northwest Missouri Chapter of the Red Cross.

Pedrosa said smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years.

“They do have an expiration date, a lot of people don’t know that. Generally, when the fire department or someone is installing your alarm, your alarm should have a date in there, to let you know how old it is, and if it’s older than 10 years, or it’s approaching that 10 year mark, you need to get the whole alarm replaced, not just the battery,” Pedrosa said. “Another clue is, if you don’t have a date or don’t really see it, if your smoke alarm looks yellow, it’s probably time to get it replaced.”

The Red Cross and its partners will install free smoke alarms for those who can’t afford to purchase smoke alarms or for anyone physically unable to install a smoke alarm. In northwest Missouri, volunteers will assist in installing free smoke alarms in homes on April 20 in Maryville and on April 27 in St. Joseph.

To set up an appointment, visit getasmokealarm.org or call the Red Cross at (816) 841-5204.

Pedrosa said they are also recruiting volunteers to help with installs. Click here for more information.