Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation Program
Countryside Fire Protection District is a proud member of the Be Alarmed! Program, a fire safety education and smoke alarm installation program administered cooperatively between Camp I Am Me and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. The program was developed to educate Illinois residents on the dangers of fire in the home and how to prevent fires from occurring in the home, as well as to ensure there are working smoke alarms properly installed in homes. Thanks to this program, Countryside is able to install 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms for residents within our Fire District as well as bedshaker alarms for residents who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing at no cost to residents.
- If you are a resident within our Fire District, please complete the interest form here: Countryside Fire Protection District Smoke Alarm Installation Request – Fill out form
- Next, someone will be in contact with you via email or phone to set up a date and time for a visit.
- Upon arrival, crews will work with the homeowners to assess your current smoke alarms.
- If needed, our crew will provide and install new 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms, and bedshaker alarms, if applicable.
- Lastly, we will educate on smoke alarm maintenance, home escape planning, and a home safety checklist. You will also have time to ask any other questions you may have throughout the installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible for this program?
A: This installation program is open to any homeowners in Countryside Fire Protection District’s service area. This program is not available for renters or for businesses.
Q: How can I tell what type of smoke alarms are in my home?
A: Homes typically have one of two types of smoke alarms: hardwired or battery-powered. Hardwired smoke alarms are connected to your home’s electrical system and usually include a battery backup. These alarms are often interconnected, meaning when one alarm sounds, all alarms in the home activate. Battery-powered smoke alarms operate independently from the electrical system. They may use a 9-volt battery, AA batteries, or a sealed 10-year battery.
Q: Do you provide hardwired smoke alarms too?
A: At this time, we only provide single unit 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms. However, we are more than happy to check your hardwired smoke alarms, and provide next steps or further recommendations.
Q: Can you check our carbon monoxide alarms too?
A: We can check your carbon monoxide alarms in addition to your smoke alarms. However, at this time we are unable to provide carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon monoxide alarms should be on every level of the home, including one outside of sleeping areas, and less than 10 years old.
Q: How do I know if my home is equipped with enough or the right smoke alarms?
A: Smoke alarms should be on every level of the home, including the basement, outside of sleeping areas, and inside of sleeping areas.
Q: How do I know if it is time to replace my smoke alarm?
A: Smoke alarms should be no more than 10-years old. Each smoke alarm has a manufacturing date on the back, so if it has been 10 years, it is time to replace the entire unit.
Q: What is a bedshaker alarm?
A: A bedshaker alarm is a specialized alarm available for individuals in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community that connects to a smoke alarm and notifies an individual that the smoke alarm is going off through a vibrating puck and a flashing light. Anyone in need of this device should complete the smoke alarm installation form above.
For any questions, please contact Bella Ogurek, Director of Community Outreach, at bogurek@countrysidefire.com or 847-918-6145.