Springfield, IL – As daylight saving time ends this weekend, Illinois fire officials are reminding residents to test and replace their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to help prevent deadly home fires.
According to the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM), changing clocks this weekend offers a key opportunity to inspect alarms, replace expired batteries, and install new devices if needed. Officials say working smoke alarms can reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half.
In 2024, Illinois reported 89 residential fire deaths, most occurring in homes without functional alarms. The National Fire Protection Association reports that nearly two-thirds of fatal injuries happen where smoke alarms are missing or not working.
“It’s simple — working smoke alarms save lives,” said State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. “This is also the perfect time to review your family’s fire escape plan so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.”
Officials remind residents that alarms typically last 10 years and should be replaced if manufactured before October 2015. Families are encouraged to test all alarms, replace batteries, and ensure each household member knows two escape routes from every room.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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