Rockford fire officials stress importance of working smoke detectors

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford fire officials emphasized the importance of working smoke detectors during the annual “Smoke Alarm Blitz,” held in partnership with the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance.

The event, now in its second year, aims to reduce the risk of fatalities in home fires by ensuring that smoke alarms are functional. Nationwide data indicate that working smoke alarms can decrease the chance of dying in a home fire by 60%.

“What we’ve learned is about 75% of the alarms in those homes are non-functioning. 75 percent, which is a significant number. And that’s either due to dead batteries, no batteries, or the alarm is expired, which means it’s more than 10 years old. And those sensors can’t be relied on any longer,” said executive director Philip Zaleski.

Since 2018, the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA) has been collecting smoke detector data during home visits by fire officials. This data collection has revealed that a significant number of smoke alarms in homes are not operational.

In response to these findings, Illinois updated the Smoke Detector Act in 2023. The new regulation mandates that all new smoke detectors must have a 10-year non-removable battery, aiming to ensure long-term functionality.

Residents are advised to check their smoke alarms monthly and verify their expiration dates annually to maintain safety standards.

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