Can You Really Get A Smoke Alarm For Free?

Home smoke alarms are required by law in all 50 states in the U.S., though where they should be placed varies from state to state. If you live in an apartment, in most states it is the building's responsibility to provide a smoke alarm. However, if you live in a privately owned house, the responsibility falls on the homeowner.

Everyone needs a working smoke alarm mainly because fires can spread extremely fast. When a smoke alarm sounds, everyone in the building should evacuate immediately, since you only have a matter of minutes. Smoke inhalation is a leading cause of death in house fires, and that's why early detection of a fire is crucial. A smoke alarm alerts you immediately which can save time and help you and your family get out safely.

Given that they're federally mandated to be installed in your home and a crucial safety feature, you'd figure it'd be easy to get a smoke alarm for free. Sure, you could buy a cheap one for about $10 to $25 at your local Walmart or off of Amazon, but why buy a smoke alarm if you can get one free of charge? There are a few ways you may be able to get a smoke alarm for free, including through your local fire department as well as at Red Cross events.

Everyone should have access to functional smoke alarms, no matter their finances. Even if you have one, don't assume that'll cover you — the number of smoke detectors you need in your house may surprise you. Residents should install smoke alarms on every floor of their home, including outside each sleeping area, and in all bedrooms. Smoke alarms also need to be replaced with a new one 10 years after the date of manufacture. The costs of all those alarms can quickly add up since an average fire alarm goes for anywhere from $10-75, and a typical battery-operated alarm that you install yourself usually costs about $25.

Naturally, fire departments take fire prevention very seriously and regularly educate the public about the importance of smoke alarms in saving lives. To this end, local fire departments plan ways to help their neighbors. They often have programs that provide free smoke alarms to residents, and sometimes that even includes installation services. You can go to your local fire department's website to see if they offer any giveaway programs or installation services, or locate your local fire department's non-emergency number and call them to ask about obtaining a free smoke detector. Of course, you can also drop by and ask.

All across the United States, the American Red Cross has a "Sound the Alarm" program where it partners with local fire departments and volunteers to install free smoke alarms in homes. Each month of the year, the organization focuses on select states. The program prioritizes high-risk communities with high fire fatality rates and residents who may be encountering financial difficulties.

At these events, the American Red Cross works to share important fire safety information. The group also allows local residents to sign up for home visits to assess their homes for fire safety and help install free smoke detectors. In addition, the group also aids residents in making house fire exit plans. Check the American Red Cross website to see when its next events are being held in your area.

If you fail to get a free alarm and installation from either your local fire department or the American Red Cross, there are still ways to get cheaper smoke alarms. You may be able to secure one for a discount at retail stores that offer discounts on smoke alarms during fire safety awareness months, such as in October, which hosts Fire Prevention Week.