Members of the Red Cross and local utility companies were out installing free smoke detectors across the Island today.

The Red Cross says home fires are one of the most common disasters they respond to each year but most people think it will never happen to them.

“A recent survey showed 40 percent of all people believe that they are more likely to be struck by lightning or win the lottery than have a home fire,” says Neela Lockel, CEO of the American Red Cross LI.

Residents are being urged to install carbon monoxide detectors in their home as well.