Be Alarmed Program: Protecting Your Home and Family with Free Smoke Alarm Installation
Smoke alarms play a crucial role in home fire safety, providing an essential early warning system that can save lives. Fires can spread rapidly, and the misconception that the smell of smoke will wake you up while sleeping could be a deadly mistake. Working smoke alarms give you the precious time needed to escape before the fire and smoke make it impossible.
The Importance of Smoke Alarms
Statistics show that about two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. A functioning smoke alarm cuts the risk of dying in a house fire by half. It’s not enough to have a smoke alarm installed – it must be in working condition.
Here’s what you should remember:
- Test your smoke alarms monthly using the test button.
- Change the batteries in your smoke alarm when you adjust your clocks for Daylight Savings Time.
Free Smoke Detector Installation Program
The Tolono Fire Protection District offers a free service through the BE ALARMED Smoke Detector Installation Program. In partnership with the Illinois State Fire Marshal and the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, this program provides and installs smoke detectors at no cost to residents in the Tolono area.
To take advantage of this program, contact the Tolono Fire Protection District at (217) 485-5533 or via email at tolonofirechief@gmail.com. The program also offers the following services:
- Installation of new smoke detectors that residents have already purchased.
- Inspections to ensure that existing smoke detectors are properly installed and functioning.
Fire Safety Tips
To ensure the best protection for your home and family, follow these safety guidelines:
- Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement.
- If you live in a larger home, consider adding additional smoke alarms for full coverage.
- Interconnect all smoke alarms so that when one sounds, they all do. This ensures that everyone in the house will be alerted in case of a fire.
- Choose the right smoke alarm type: Ionization alarms respond faster to flaming fires, while photoelectric alarms are better for smoldering fires. For optimal safety, use both types or a combination alarm (also known as a dual sensor alarm).
- Keep smoke alarms at least 10 feet away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms caused by cooking.
Remember, smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years to ensure they remain effective.
By participating in the Be Alarmed Program, you can ensure your home is equipped with working smoke detectors, installed correctly, and ready to protect you and your loved ones in the event of a fire.
For more information, reach out to the Tolono Fire Protection District and make fire safety a top priority in your home. Stay safe, stay protected, and be alarmed!
Contact Information:
- Phone: (217) 485-5533
- Email: tolonofirechief@gmail.com
Protect your home today – a smoke detector might just save your life.
Click Here and enter your contact information if you are interested in this program.