CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Working smoke alarms save lives, reduce the chances of death or injury in a fire, and can prevent costly damages. The Champaign Fire Department is offering free smoke alarms for installation in owner-occupied, single-family homes across Champaign.
A press release from the City of Champaign shared that nearly 60% of fatal home fires occur in residences that lack smoke alarms or have alarms that are not functioning. Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by around half.
The city provided these tips to help keep you and your family safer:
- Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home.
- It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms so that when one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
- Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
Call 217-403-7200 for more information on how to have a free smoke alarm installed or request an installation online.