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Smoke detectors have birthdays too. New batteries are the best present you could give them. Smoke detectors should be tested at least once a month and replaced at least once a year. Daylight savings time occurs twice a year, so when you change your clocks also replace the batteries in your smoke detectors. This will ensure that your batteries will be new and your smoke detector will be working.

The Illinois Smoke Detector Act for Residential Units requires that every dwelling be equipped with an approved smoke detector within fifteen (15) feet of a room used for sleeping purposes. The Act further states that every single family residence should have at least one approved smoke detector installed on every level of the dwelling unit including basements, but not unoccupied attics. The Lincolnwood Fire Department recommends that you install a smoke detector in every sleeping room. The National Fire Codes have recognized the need by requiring all newly constructed residential buildings to install smoke detectors in all sleeping rooms.

The Lincolnwood Fire Prevention Bureau will gladly assist residents (such as seniors or the disabled) in checking, installing or replacing smoke detectors in their homes.

Remember smoke detectors do save lives!

Home Escape Plans

If there was a fire in your home, how would you get out? The acronym E.D.I.T.H stands for Exit Drills In The Home. Exit drills are a crucial part of staying safe in event of a fire. Every family should have a plan on how to escape their home if there is a fire. Plan two ways out of every room and set a meeting spot outside of your residence for everyone to meet. Then go to a neighbors house and call 911. Never dial 911 from inside a burning building unless it is the only way. Make sure that the entire family knows and practices the escape plan twice a year. NEVER REENTER A BURNING BUILDING!!!

Fire Extinguishers

A fire extinguisher can be a valuable device in case of a small fire in your home. These inexpensive devices can extinguish small fires and keep fires from spreading until help arrives. Fire extinguishers are classified by what class of fire they can extinguish. There are 5 classes of fires.

Class A are considered "ordinary" combustibles. These include paper, wood, cloth and plastic.

Class B are combustible liquids. This includes gasoline and grease.

Class C are electrical fires. This is any fire that involves electricity.

Class D are burning metals. These are fires that involve sodium, titanium, magnesium or other combustible metals. This is not very practical for most homes and are found more commonly in labs and metal shops.

Class K is the newest classification of fire.  These are fires that involve cooking oils and fats.

There are fire extinguishers that combine the abilities to fight multiple classes of fires. ABC extinguishers can fight ordinary, liquid, and electrical fires. ABC extinguishers are the most practical and are recommended due to the variety of fires that can be faced in homes.

Using a fire extinguisher is simple. First, make sure the extinguisher is the right class for the fire you are facing. Secondly, make sure the extinguisher is charged. Finally, follow the acronym P.A.S.S. This stands for Pull Aim Squeeze Sweep. Pull the safety pin from the extinguisher. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. Squeeze the handle. Sweep the extinguisher from side to side of the fire until the fire is extinguished or the extinguisher is depleted. If the fire is not extinguished or is too large, exit the building and call the fire department.

Place the fire extinguisher in an easy to access area. Avoid placing extinguishers in cabinets above stoves or in other areas where fire may prevent access.

Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems

Residential fire sprinkler systems are a relatively new development in the fire protection community. Sprinkler systems are designed to contain a fire and prevent its extension into other areas until the fire department arrives. Sprinkler systems are relatively inexpensive and can keep fire damage to a minimum. In Lincolnwood, all newly built homes are required to have a sprinkler system. Investing in a residential sprinkler system could save your life and your house.