Working smoke alarms can give your family the warning needed to escape a house fire. But not every Illinois household has reliable smoke alarms, and some residents may not realize they qualify for free replacements.
Table of Contents
Attorney Howard Ankin recently spoke with Battalion Chief Nick Steker of the Franklin Park Fire Department about a program helping Illinois residents protect their homes.
How to Get Free Smoke Alarms Through the Be Alarmed! Program
The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance’s Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation Program works with participating fire departments to provide qualifying residents with smoke alarms featuring sealed, ten-year batteries at no cost.
According to Battalion Chief Steker, the Franklin Park Fire Department and many other departments throughout Chicago and Illinois participate in the initiative.
Residents interested in the program should contact their local fire department to find out whether it participates and whether they qualify for free smoke alarm installation.
Additional Fire Safety Tips for Illinois Families
Smoke alarms are only one part of protecting your home. Families should also:
- Test smoke alarms regularly and replace them according to manufacturer recommendations.
- Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
- Make sure carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed and working.
- Create a home fire escape plan and practice it with everyone in the household.
Helping Chicago Families Stay Safe
As Howard Ankin emphasizes, working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency exit plans all save lives.
Watch Ankin Law’s safety video featuring Battalion Chief Steker to learn more about the Be Alarmed! program.
Ankin Law is committed to keeping Chicagoans safe. If you or a loved one has been injured because of someone else’s negligence, call (312) 600-0000.
