The American Red Cross is hoping to raise awareness of fire safety – and they say that it starts with working smoke alarms.

The organization designated the city of Paterson as a signature city for its “Sound the Alarm” initiative. Volunteers will install more than 1,000 free smoke alarms in Paterson homes next weekend.

Officials say they hope all New Jersey residents take the initiative to make a plan to protect their families and home from fires.

"By making that kind of noise around the importance of fire safety, we're helping people. Even if we didn't make it to their home…if people hear about our campaign like they are today, they'll take the steps to check their smoke alarm, make sure it's working, practicing drills,” says Rosie Taravella, regional CEO of American Red Cross New Jersey.

The National Fire Protection Association suggests changing one’s smoke detector's batteries at the same time they adjust clocks for Daylight Saving Time.