If your smoke alarm is more than five years old, discolored or if you simply cannot remember when it was installed, you may need a new one.

The American Red Cross is teaming up with the Bemidji Fire Department to install new smoke alarms in homes at no cost starting Thursday, June 2 through June 4.

They will be meeting with residents, helping them create an emergency escape plan, and installing free smoke detectors when needed.

Statistics show in both Bemidji and Beltrami County, home fire deaths are significantly higher than both national and state averages. Smoke alarms cut this risk in half.

The event is part of a five-year nationwide American Red Cross campaign.

To sign up, visit www.getasmokealarm.org or call the Bemidji Fire Department’s non-emergency number at 218-751-8001. A volunteer will reach out to schedule a time for a home visit.

If interested in volunteering with the campaign, call the Red Cross at 218-722-0071.

By — Brenda Mak

News Reporter in Bemidji