Long-term battery smoke alarms
Category:
Fire Department
State Law Link:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1640&ChapterID=38&Print=True
State Law Key Points:
As of January 1, 2023, any newly installed smoke alarms in residential buildings must have a long-term battery (colloquially referred to as a "10-year" battery). Smoke alarms installed prior to January 1, 2023 do not need to be changed immediately, but they do need to be replaced within 10 years of their manufacturing date.
Enforcement:
There is currently no plan for the Evanston Fire Protection Bureau to conduct a city-wide inspection of all residential properties for compliance with the new state law. As new buildings are renovated or built, our inspectors will be making sure those residences being inspected are in compliance. Similarly, if Evanston Fire Department personnel are in a residential building/unit for an emergency incident, they may take note of smoke alarms that appear to be out of compliance with the state law, and a follow-up inspection from the Fire Prevention Bureau may be warranted.
Purchasing:
Most major retailors in Illinois have been selling long-term battery smoke alarms for the last few years in anticipation of this new legislation going into effect. Residents can also come to Evanston Fire Department Headquarters at 909 Lake Street to pick up a free long-battery smoke alarm (limited to one per residence).
Updated 8/15/2024 4:02 PM