Smoke Detectors & Home Fire Escape Plans

Smoke Detectors

The Hanover Park Fire Department has noticed a substantial increase in the number of house fires in which a smoke detector was found damaged, found with a dead battery, or there just was not a detector found. Every home should have at least one smoke detector on every floor, and one in every sleeping area (if possible).

The Public Education Division has smoke detectors available, free of charge, for residents in our Community. We also have literature on smoke detectors available, which provides helpful information on safety, placement and home fire drills, as well as stickers to remind you to test your detector monthly.

A fireman testing a fire alarm.

Testing Smoke Detectors

The Public Education Division encourages residents to be fire-smart by testing their smoke detectors regularly and changing the batteries at least twice a year. An easy way to remember is to change your batteries when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time, in the Spring and in the Fall. Carbon Monoxide Detectors and combination detectors should also be tested regularly to ensure that they are in working condition. For further information regarding our smoke detector awareness program, contact the Public Education Division at 630-823-5800.

Home Fire Escape Plans

It’s 2 a.m. and you are suddenly awaken by the smoke detector. You can smell smoke, and you children are asleep in the rooms down the hall. Do you know what to do next? Every family should have, and practice routinely, a home fire escape plan.

A well designed, and well practiced, fire escape plan gives your family members a distinct advantage in escaping your home safely in the event of a fire. Creating a fire escape plan is simple. All family members should be included in the process, and it only requires a few minutes of practice each month.

Plan Your Escape

  • Draw a floor plan of your home
  • Draw two ways out of each room
  • Discuss escape routes with family
  • Mark a meeting place outside where family members can gather safely

Practice

  • Practice fire escape drills at least twice a year
  • Ensure that the smoke detectors will awaken everyone
  • Make drills realistic – pretend that escape paths are blocked by smoke or fire

Be Prepared

  • Everyone should know the sound of the smoke detector
  • Everyone should know how to operate all windows and doors
  • Keep stairs and exits free from clutter
Home Fire Escape Plan