Red Cross hands out free smoke alarms in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Red Cross is working to protect local residents from potentially deadly house fires.

Volunteers hit the streets in Fresno's Tower District on Saturday to hand out about two hundred free smoke alarms. They also provided batteries for people who needed them.

This event is part of a campaign that aims to reduce deaths and injuries from house fires by 25 percent over the next five years.

"The Central "Valley area has some of the highest home fire rates in the nation, so it's really important for us to get out there and provide these smoke alarms for these families," said Jessica Piffero, American Red Cross of the Central Valley.

Volunteers visited areas where the Fresno Fire Department frequently responds. They also talked to residents about the importance of having evacuation plans -- and an emergency kit in their homes.