Fire Department Goes Door-to-Door, Checks Smoke Detectors

For the first time ever, the will be kicking off a program aimed at ensuring all homes in the district have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 

Starting Thursday, will go door-to-door, verifying that homes have working detectors, providing batteries and smoke alarms when necessary and asking residents some basic fire safety questions, which could be used to assist fire crews in the event of an emergency, according to fire district officials.

"We are going to every single home," said Kevin Raether, a firefighter/paramedic with the fire protection district. 

Residents that wish to make an appointment for their inspection can call 847-489-6694 or visit the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District's website.   

This is the first time the fire protection district is taking part in this program, . 

“Our goal is to make sure that our residents are safe," said Fire Chief Kevin Rynders in a press release. “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 Protection district provided the following statistics related to smoke detectors: 

• Of the homes the fire protection district responded to last year, 56 percent did not have working smoke alarms. 
• In the U.S., 20 percent of homes do not have working smoke alarms. In nearly all of these homes, the reason for the smoke alarm not working is a dead or missing battery. 
• Nearly one third of residential fires and over two thirds of 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. 

Placement of Fire Alarm

But where should your fire alarms be located? 

The fire protection district provides the following tips: 

• 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. 

Installing Smoke Alarms

The fire protection district provides the following tips for installing smoke alarms: 

• 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 inches away from dead air space near walls and corners. 
• If you mount it on the wall, place it 6 to 12 inches 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