Sound the Alarm: PEMCO partners with American Red Cross to enable fire prevention

We’re excited to announce our participation in the 2025 Sound the Alarm campaign, a national initiative by the American Red Cross aimed at preventing home fires. This spring, PEMCO volunteers will be out in two Washington communities installing smoke alarms and providing essential home fire education. 

Why is this important? Home fires claim seven lives every day in the U.S., but having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death in half. That’s why we’re rallying volunteers to install free smoke alarms, create escape plans, and share fire safety information with PNW residents. We’re excited to be a part of this important effort that, to date, has installed over three million smoke alarms and saved more than 2,200 lives.  

Every smoke alarm installed, and every piece of fire safety education provided helps empower our communities to prevent fire-related risks. Learn more about how you can get involved with the American Red Cross Sound the Alarm campaign and join an event near you to make a difference in your own community.  

Want to make a difference at home? Here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to your own smoke detectors at home. 

Five essential smoke alarm safety tips: 

1. Install smoke alarms properly: Place smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area. In the basement, install alarms at the bottom of the stairs leading to the next level. 
2. Optimal placement: Mount smoke alarms in the middle of the ceiling if possible. If mounting them on the wall, place them at least three feet away from corners and within 12 inches of the ceiling. Avoid placing them near drafts from fans or air ducts, as moving air can blow smoke away from the sensor. 
3. Regular maintenance: Test your smoke alarms at least once a month to ensure they’re working. Replace the batteries every six months or if you hear a low battery chirp. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. 
4. Choose the right type: There are different types of smoke alarms, including battery-operated, 10-year sealed battery, and hardwired alarms. Choose the type that best fits your home and family's needs. 
5. Have an escape plan: Have an escape plan: Always have a plan in place for what to do if a smoke alarm sounds. Make sure everyone in your household knows the escape routes and practices them regularly. 

Ten home fire prevention tips: 

1. Keep flammable items away from heat sources: Maintain a safe distance between flammable items and heat sources like space heaters, stoves, and candles. Never leave cooking or open flames unattended. 
2. Be cautious with electrical appliances: Avoid overloading electrical outlets and replace damaged cords. Unplug appliances when not in use and keep them away from water. 
3. Practice safe smoking habits: If you smoke, do so outside. Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished before disposal. 
4. Educate children: Teach children about the dangers of fire, matches, and lighters. Keep these items out of their reach. 
5. Use candles safely: Use flashlights instead of candles during power outages. If you must use candles, never leave them unattended and keep them away from flammable materials. 
6. Maintain heating systems: Have your HVAC system, chimneys, and vents inspected and cleaned annually by a professional to prevent fire hazards. 
7. Store flammable liquids safely: Keep flammable liquids like gasoline, paint thinners, and cleaning products in approved containers and store them in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources.  
8. Use space heaters safely: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Always turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed. 
9. Check your dryer: Clean the lint filter in your dryer after every use and check the vent pipe regularly to ensure it is free of obstructions. 
10. Practice Safe Cooking: Stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially when frying, grilling, or broiling. If you need to leave the kitchen, turn off the stove. 

Join us in making a difference 

We’re proud to be part of the 2025 Sound the Alarm campaign, working alongside the American Red Cross to make our communities safer. By installing smoke alarms and sharing vital fire safety education, we’re taking meaningful steps to prevent home fires and protect our neighbors. You can be a part of this effort, too!  Visit The American Red Cross event page to find an event near you. Your involvement can make a significant impact. Whether you volunteer your time or spread the word about how to prevent preventable home fires, every effort counts.  

Together, we can create safer communities.