BLOOMINGTON — If you have a smoke detector in your home that has yellowed in color or is at least 10 years old, chances are it may not be working properly.
“No company sells yellow smoke detectors,” said Bloomington Fire Department Public Education Officer Stuart Blade. “If yours is yellow, it means it has faded and it could be that it isn’t working properly.”
Blade was one of several local fire safety and public health officials at the McLean County Fair on Thursday to make the public aware of Illinois’ new 10-year smoke detector law.
In 2017, there were 114 residential fire deaths in Illinois and 76 so far in 2018, according to statistics from the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office. The majority of those deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors.
While most homes built after 1988 are required to have hardwired alarms, most of the older homes built before then still have smoke detectors with removable batteries.
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The new law, signed a year ago, requires battery-operated smoke detectors to be powered by a non-replaceable, non-removable, 10-year battery by the end of 2022, said state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington.
“The new requirement just updates the law to reflect the changes in new technology, aimed at saving lives, while making it easier and more cost-effective for Illinois residents to comply,” said Bloomington Fire Chief Brian Mohr.
Prices will vary among manufacturers and options, but because there is no need for battery replacement, the average homeowner will save between $40 and $60 in battery costs over the life of each alarm, said Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Executive Director Phil Zaleski. At the end of the 10-year cycle, the smoke alarm will alert the homeowner to replace the alarm.
The Bloomington and Normal fire departments can offer assistance installing alarms to area residents who ask their departments for such help. First Alert is providing smoke alarm installation kits to both departments.
“On average, families have less than three minutes to escape a fire from the time an alarm sounds before it turns deadly,” said Normal Fire Chief Mick Humer. “We are working to ensure that everyone is compliant with the new legislation and has the tools needed to help protect themselves and their loved ones in case of fire.”
Cathy Coverston Anderson, the assistant administrator with the McLean County Health Department, also was on hand at the announcement, which took place as part of the “Young at Heart” senior program at the fair.
“Installing new 10-year, sealed battery smoke alarms helps families stay protected with the most advanced sensing technologies and safety features available,” she said.
For more information about the installation program, call the Bloomington Fire Department at 309-434-2627 or the Normal Fire Department at 309-454-9616.