Two examples of smoke detectors are photoelectric, top, and ionization. Photoelectric smoke detectors are hard-wired into a home and are better at sensing smoldering fires. Ionization smoke detectors usually run on 9-volt batteries and better sense flaming fires.

The American Red Cross and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical are teaming up during Fire Prevention Week to install free smoke alarms, provide safety tips and help residents in North Lawrence create escape plans.

A news release from the Red Cross and LDCFM said the event will take place Oct. 12 with Red Cross volunteers and LDCFM personnel going door-to-door for home visits from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kyle Lewis, a community disaster program manager for the Red Cross, said in the release that in the event of a fire, people may have less than two minutes to escape a burning home. “The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get out,” he said.

The release said that since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has saved at least 2,169 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country.

Residents who need an alarm installed can visit the website SoundTheAlarm.org for a free smoke alarm installation. People interested in volunteering with the event can reach out to the local Red Cross group by calling 785-447-0116 or emailing kyle.lewis@redcross.org