Rockford, IL – More than 70 Illinois fire departments joined forces this year to install over 2,300 smoke alarms in just one week, part of the statewide Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation Program designed to reduce home fire deaths and injuries.
According to the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office, the 2024 Statewide Blitz reached 743 homes and educated 1,670 residents on fire safety. The initiative, run in partnership with Camp I Am Me and the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, provides 10-year sealed battery alarms and safety education at no cost to residents.
“Working smoke alarms save lives, and I cannot stress enough how vital they are in every home,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. “Fires burn hotter and faster today than they did decades ago, giving families less than three minutes to escape safely.”
The Rockford Fire Department, one of dozens of participating agencies, praised the collaboration. Acting Chief Brian Carlson said the program helps ensure residents “have the early warning they need in the event of a fire.”
Program organizers reported a milestone this year with the first documented “save” in Greenville, where newly installed alarms alerted an elderly woman to danger, allowing her to escape safely.
To learn more about free alarm installation and fire safety education, visit www.ifsa.org/alarms.
