Arlington residents can qualify for no-cost smoke alarm install

Arlington residents in need can sign up for free smoke alarm installation from the Red Cross of North Texas and Arlington Fire Department.

Since 2014, six lives have been saved through this program, according to Red Cross officials.

“Our goal is to save lives,” Red Cross of North Texas chief executive Keith Rhodes said in a prepared statement. “That’s why we want to make sure everyone has working smoke alarms, which can cut the risk by half.”

In addition to financial need, residents physically unable to install an alarm can also qualify.

During the 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers and Arlington firefighters will 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.

“Most people don’t realize they only have two minutes to escape a home fire — and that smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years,” Rhodes said.