American Red Cross installing new smoke alarms in homes in Alaska

Community News

Kenai, Alaska, Foundation
People wearing red American Red Cross Disaster Relief vests in a fire station.
American Red Cross volunteers meet before the Sound the Alarm event in North Pole, Alaska.

Key Points

  • The American Red Cross of Alaska installed close to 250 free smoke alarms in homes in North Pole, Alaska, as part of the Sound the Alarm campaign, helping protect families in small communities where fire risks are higher due to alternative heating sources.
  • Marathon Petroleum’s Kenai refinery provided a $10,000 grant to fund the purchase and shipment of smoke alarms, installation equipment and specialty alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing.
  • Since July 2024, Red Cross volunteers have installed free smoke alarms in communities throughout Alaska, educated families on fire escape plans and conducted home safety inspections to prevent home fires.

Families in North Pole, Alaska, are now safer thanks to the installation of 247 new smoke alarms in homes that need them. Volunteers from the American Red Cross of Alaska provided and installed the smoke alarms free of charge as part of the national Sound the Alarm campaign, which aims to reduce the risk of home fire deaths.

Two emergency vehicles parked outside the North Pole Fire Department. A Sound the Alarm banner stands in the front.
Volunteers met at the North Pole Fire Department before going into the community to install smoke alarms and provide home fire inspections. 

“This is particularly important in Alaska because many of the communities don’t have easy access to stores where they can purchase smoke alarms,” said American Red Cross of Alaska Communications Director Taylar Sausen. “Some people here use alternative heating sources to heat, such as wood stoves and electric heaters. Oil heaters and lamps are also common in rural areas, which increases the risk of home fires.”

The initiative was made possible with support from Marathon Petroleum’s Kenai, Alaska, refinery, which provided a $10,000 grant to fund the purchase and shipment of new smoke alarms and installation equipment. The American Red Cross volunteers also installed 10 bed shakers smoke alarms and two strobes smoke alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing community. 

An American Red Cross volunteer prepares supplies before installing smoke alarms in the community. 

“At the heart of strong communities is safety, and we are proud to support initiatives that protect lives where it matters most,” said General Manager of the Kenai refinery Bruce Jackman. “This grant has helped the American Red Cross provide essential smoke alarms to interior and rural Alaska, helping families have the early warning they need in an emergency."

“The community really welcomes us with open arms. Everyone wants to make their home safer.”

Since July 2024, volunteers have installed 330 smoke alarms across Alaska. Along with installation, volunteers educate families on fire escape plans and conduct home safety inspections to identify potential fire hazards.

“The community really welcomes us with open arms,” said Sausen. “They understand this is an essential service they may not get otherwise. Everyone wants to make their home safer.”

A volunteer with the American Red Cross installed a smoke alarm in a home in North Pole, Alaska. 

Home fires are the most common disaster in the U.S., according to the Red Cross. To improve safety, experts recommend installing smoke alarms outside each bedroom, in kitchens, and in gathering spaces such as dining rooms.

“By working together, we can create safer, more resilient communities for generations to come,” said Jackman.

A red fire vehicle parked outside the North Pole Fire Department.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross worked in North Pole, Alaska, to install nearly 250 smoke alarms.

Sound the Alarm: Two simple tips

Practice a 2-minute fire drill
  • Practice your 2-minute drill (from home to a safe meeting place) at least twice a year.
  • Everyone in your household should know two ways to escape from each room in your home.
  • In a real fire, remember to get out, stay out and call 911. Never go back inside for people, pets or things.
Test your smoke alarms monthly
  • You should hear three beeps, letting you know the alarm is working.
  • Don't hear the beeps? Then it's time to change the batteries, if your model requires them.
  • If your smoke alarm is 10 years old, it's time to get a new alarm because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time.
Source: American Red Cross