A new Illinois law requires that home smoke alarms must be equipped with a 10-year sealed battery starting January 1, 2023.  These are the type of detectors offered through the Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation Program.  According to a 2017 law, smoke alarms that were installed in homes prior to January 1st can remain in place until they are 10 years old.  Homes built after 1988 that already have hardwired alarms or wireless integrated alarms are exempt from the new law. 

The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District participates in the Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation Program, a public safety & education initiative that provides complimentary smoke detectors to residents through a partnership with the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance.

The primary goals of the state-wide Be Alarmed! program are:

1. Educate residents on home fire safety and prevention methods.
2. Reduce the number of fire-related injuries and deaths in Illinois.
3. Identify reasons why residents may have non-working smoke detectors in their homes.
4. Reduce the number of fire-related deaths.

Through the program, BCFPD firefighters will install 10-year concealed battery smoke detectors in residents’ homes at no charge and provide fire safety education materials for their district residents.

To receive fire alarm help through the program, residents may contact BCFPD Captain Angela Grandgeorge at 224-848-4875 or agrandgeorge@bcfpd.us.  Residents living in another fire district must contact their fire district directly.

Proper Alarm Location Makes a Difference
For maximum effectiveness, devices should be installed in every bedroom of the house and outside sleeping areas on each level of your home (including basements).

Units should be placed on ceilings or high on walls.  Keep them at least 10 feet away from the kitchen stove to reduce false alarms.  Use interconnected smoke alarms, if available – when one sounds, they will all sound.

 Smoke Alarms & Your Safety Brochure