Prairie State Wire

State and local fire officials gathered at the O'Fallon Fire Department to emphasize the importance of working smoke alarms and to promote a no-cost smoke alarm installation program available for O'Fallon residents. Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera stated, "The OSFM is committed to helping make communities safer by providing resources to local fire departments and encouraging them to engage their community members through the 'Be Alarmed!' or similar fire prevention programs."

Rivera highlighted that in 2023, there were 89 residential fire deaths in Illinois, with most occurring in homes lacking working smoke detectors. "It's simple, working smoke alarms save lives!" he added.

O'Fallon Fire Chief Brad White remarked on the critical nature of escape time during fires due to smoke inhalation. He encouraged residents to support the 2024 Fire Prevention Week theme: "Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!" According to White, "Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely."

Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association indicate that smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half. Despite this, three out of five fire deaths occur in homes without functional smoke alarms.

Deputy Chief Doug Barron reiterated the commitment to protecting O'Fallon's residents by ensuring they have working smoke alarms and understand the importance of having a comprehensive fire safety escape plan.

The O'Fallon Fire Department provided key guidelines for smoke alarm safety: install alarms in every bedroom and on each level of the home; ensure they meet all family members' needs; test them monthly; and replace any that are broken or over ten years old.

Philip Zaleski, Executive Director of Camp I Am Me by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, spoke about the Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation Program's success. He noted that partnerships with OSFM and participating Illinois fire departments have resulted in distributing over 35,000 smoke alarms statewide. In O'Fallon alone, more than 410 alarms have been installed in 190 households since joining the program.

Camp I Am Me announced receiving a $299,000 grant from FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. This funding will allow for purchasing an additional 16,000 sealed battery smoke alarms and nearly 400 bed shaker aids for those hard-of-hearing or deaf.

"Be Alarmed!" is a collaborative effort between Camp I Am Me (CIAM) and OSFM, distributing educational materials and installing free smoke alarms across Illinois communities.

For further details about the program visit: https://www.ifsa.org/prevention-resources/smoke-alarm/.