The American Red Cross is working to reduce the number of death and injuries caused by house fires.

In Syracuse, volunteers are installing 550 free smoke alarms.

The organization and local fire officials say working smoke alarms in a home can cut the risk of death by half, and having an escape plan helps even more.

"It gives you early warning when a fire starts no matter the size of the fire and it's just a warning--to be able to get people that are sleeping awake, to be able to figure out the best way to get out,” said Syracuse Fire Chief Michael Monds.”When there are no smoke detectors, sometimes by the time you realize it's a fire it's too late."

The Red Cross estimates the campaign has helped save almost four hundred lives nationwide.