The Red Cross, along with Rebuilding Together Dutchess County and other local leaders, discussed fire safety Friday at the Poughkeepsie fire station.

Officials say everyone should have an escape plan in case of a fire and have working fire alarms. A member of the Red Cross says most disasters the organization responds to are home fires, and their organization encourages periodically checking on your alarm, replacing batteries and testing the system.

 

"We have seen firsthand that smoke alarms and fire safety education really do save lives in our community. It's incredible to be able to install these alarms absolutely free for those in need, and to hear the incredble stories of people we have saved because of this program," said American Red Cross of the Mid-Hudson Valley Executive Director Kelly Formoso.

The Red Cross says if a fire starts in your home, you may only have 2 minutes to escape.