Elk Grove Village Recognized For Installing 1K Smoke Alarms Through State Program

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL — Elk Grove Village was recently recognized by state and local fire safety leaders after more than 1,000 smoke alarms were installed through a no-cost program for village residents. Fire safety experts gathered in Elk Grove Village on Thursday to raise awareness about working smoke alarms in homes and to highlight the local effort.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half, 54 percent to be exact. Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Elk Grove Village participates in the "Be Alarmed!" program offered by Camp I Am Me through the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance in partnership with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

"This impactful initiative brings critical fire safety education directly into residents' homes and has helped install over 1,000 additional smoke alarms throughout our community," Elk Grove Village Fire Chief Richard Mikel said. "These efforts provide families with greater protection and peace of mind, ensuring they have more opportunities to be alerted in the event of an unexpected fire. We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to making this life-saving program possible."

The program has led to more than 52,000 smoke alarms being distributed statewide since 2018. Elk Grove Village firefighters have installed more than 1,000 alarms in 256 households, protecting 562 residents since joining the program.

The Elk Grove Village Fire Department offers these key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on each level of the home.
• Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Replace all broken or expired smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older.