As you ‘Spring Forward’, check smoke detectors and alarms

SPRINGFIELD (1470 & 100.3 WMBD) - The State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding Illinois residents to test, inspect, and replace smoke and CO detectors and alarms as they Spring Forward this weekend.

A new state law, that took effect January 1, 2023, now requires that all homes built before 1988 have ten-year sealed smoke detectors installed in them.

The National Fire Protection Association says in recent years, almost three out of every five home fire deaths in the U.S., happened in homes with no smoke detectors or faulty alarms.

Illinois State Fire Marshal Spokesperson JC Fultz adds that dead batteries account for more than 25% of all smoke alarm failures.

In 2022, 66% of pre-existing smoke alarms being replaced in homes that received the new 10-year sealed battery alarms through the “Be Alarmed” program, were found to be non-functioning or expired.

Peoria residents can call (309) 494-8700 and ask for Peoria Fire Department Division Chief Nate Rice. The department can then help you with installing a new 10-year detector in your home.

Learn more about Illinois’ “Be Alarmed” program, click HERE.