NEW PROGRAM TARGETS HOMEOWNERS CURRENTLY
WITHOUT WORKING SMOKE ALARMS

The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District has announced a new program called “The 100% Club, a club everyone should belong to” in which they will provide and install smoke alarms and batteries to the residents of the District FREE OF CHARGE in those homes that do not have working smoke alarms. The program’s goal is to ensure that every resident in the District has some type of early warning device whether it is a smoke alarm or fire alarm system.

“Our goal is to make sure that our residents are safe,” says Fire Chief Kevin Rynders, who authorized the new program to formally kickoff September 1, 2011. “Early detection of fire is the key to saving lives and this program provides residents with the resources necessary to assist in that effort.” The Fire District is using some disturbing statistics to justify the new program, “unfortunately, despite the Illinois State Law requiring smoke alarms, we found that of the structure fires that we have responded to in the last year, 56% of the homes had no working smoke alarms which put residents and firefighters behind the eight ball right away. In fact in one of those homes we had to rescue a woman who was trapped by the fire right outside her door.”

Fire District crews will be conducting door to door canvassing of the entire Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District starting September 1, 2011. In addition to verifying that smoke alarms work, crews will be asking residents some basic fire safety questions which can be used to update responding crews in the event of an emergency. Residents that wish to make an appointment for their inspection are asked to call the Headquarters station at 847-658-8233.

An estimated 20% of U.S. homes do not have working smoke alarms. In nearly all of these homes the reason for smoke alarms not working properly is a dead or missing battery. Nearly one third of residential fires and over two thirds or residential fire fatalities occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. Fire kills an estimated 4,000 Americans every year. Another 30,000 people are seriously injured by fire each year. Property damage from fire loss costs at least $11.2 billion yearly.

The Fire District also reminds you that the placement of smoke alarms is important as well. Sleeping areas need the most protection. One alarm in a short hallway outside the bedroom area is usually adequate. Hallways longer than 30 feet should have one smoke alarm at each end. For maximum protection, place one alarm in every bedroom. On floors without bedrooms, alarm should be installed in or near living areas, such as dens, living rooms or family rooms. Smoke alarms are not recommended for kitchens and be sure to keep the alarm away from fireplaces and wood stoves to avoid false alarms.

Installation of smoke alarms is important too. You can mount smoke alarms by yourself, but those connected to your household wiring should have their own circuit and be installed by a professional electrician. If you mount your alarm on the ceiling, be sure to keep it 18” away from dead air space near walls and corners. If you mount it on the wall, place it 6 to 12” below the ceiling and away from corners.

For more information on receiving a smoke alarm or replacement batteries, please contact the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District at 847-658-8233

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