Resources

Contact

David Schuman
Division Chief
847-391-5340
Email

New Illinois Smoke Alarm Law

Since 1988, all dwellings in Illinois have been required to have smoke alarms. In 2017, Public Act 200 was passed to update the Illinois Smoke Detector Act to reflect advances in technology.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, single and multi-family homes that are still using smoke alarms with removable batteries are required to install new alarms that feature 10-year sealed battery alarms.

Exemptions
Homes built after 1988 that already have hardwired smoke alarms.

Homes with wireless integrated alarms that use low-power radio frequency communications, Wi-Fi, or other Wireless Local Area Networking capability.

Fire Prevention

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

The Des Plaines Fire Department is dedicated to preventing fires through public education and outreach, fire inspections, code enforcement, comprehensive fire investigations and more.

Our team works closely with our school system to educate students about fire safety. We also urge parents to talk to their children about what to do in the event of a fire.

Please follow these rules and guidelines for your safety and the safety of our community.

Smoke Detector Program and Safety Inspections

The Des Plaines Fire Prevention Division offers a smoke detector installation program and home safety inspections for residents. Please call 847-391-5340 to schedule an appointment.

Home Fire Preparedness

Please take steps to prepare your home for a fire by installing the right number of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and have an escape plan and emergency communications plan.

How to make a home fire escape plan
What you need to know about safety equipment (smoke alarms, home fire sprinklers, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide alarms)

01.5600x1800

Have smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement (usfa.fema.gov).

Lithium Battery Safety

Lithium batteries power many rechargeable devices that we use every day, such as:

Mobile devices like smart phones, tablets, wireless headphones, smart watches, cameras and computers.
Motorized vehicles, including electric scooters, bikes, skateboards, hoverboards and electric cars.
Personal devices, such as electric toothbrushes, electric razors and vaping devices.

Defective lithium batteries can overheat and catch fire. Here’s how to be fire safe with your lithium battery powered devices:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage.
Do not charge devices under your pillow, on your bed or on a couch.
Always use the manufacturer’s charger made specifically for the device.
Keep batteries/devices at room temperature. Do not place in direct sunlight.
Store batteries away from anything flammable.

Check out this flyer for more information on Lithium Battery Safety, or go to nfpa.org.

Seasonal Fire Safety

Halloween

Seasonal Fire Safety - Halloween

Fire safety is something to think about on Halloween, especially when decorating.

Use an electric candle or glow sticks instead of candles in jack-o-lanterns.
Tell your children to stay away from open flames.
Keep all decorations away from open flames, heat sources and escape routes.
Test your smoke alarms before decorating as an extra precaution.

Thanksgiving

Seasonal Fire Safety - Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires. Before you fry a turkey, review these tips to keep you and your loved ones safe!

Put your turkey fryer on a sturdy, level surface outdoors at least 10 feet from structures.
Do not move fryers when in use and keep children and pets at least three feet away.
Test the amount of oil you need before filling the pot.
Make sure your turkey is fully thawed without frost on it before frying.
Monitor oil temperature, always use oven mitts, and consider using an electric or air fryer.

For more information on Thanksgiving cooking safety, visit the U.S. Fire Administration website at usfa.fema.gov.

Holiday Cooking

Holiday Decorating

With the holidays around the corner, everyone seems to be getting in the spirit! It’s fun to deck the halls, but holiday decorations can increase your risk of a home fire.

Follow these tips from the NFPA to be fire smart:

Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

Outdoor Fires (City Code)

Do	Don't
Fire Pits are allowed, but they have to be an approved container.	Don't burn leaves or a tree that was just cut down.
Only burn seasoned dry firewood (see below).	Don't burn construction material (doors, cabinets, fences, etc).
Clear away brush, dead and dry vegetation in a 10'-20' circle around the fire pit.	Don't make your own fire pit by digging a hole.
Fire pits should not be placed under any low hanging trees where heat could ignite the branches.	Bonfires are NOT ALLOWED.
Fire pits should be at least 15' from any structure or combustible material.	Never use lighter fluid, gasoline or any flammable liquid to start a fire.
Always use a spark screen when burning in a fire pit.
Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose on hand.
Fires must be supervised until they are extinguished.
Be courteous to your neighbors - if a fire is a nuisance it must be extinguished.

Business Fire Preparedness

Recently, federal tax reform legislation created incentives that make it more affordable for building and business owners to accelerate cost recovery for the installation, upgrade, or retrofit of fire sprinkler systems. This is a valuable opportunity to improve the life safety and economic stability of Des Plaines. Read more about the program.

Des Plaines, IL

Custom Search