Fire officials spoke at SIU today about efforts to encourage people to update their smoke alarms.
Illinois residents using battery operated smoke detectors will have until 2022 to update their alarms to a 10–year smoke detector, thanks to a law signed in January.
Houses built after 1988 are required to have hard–wired alarms, so this law will impact residents in older homes.
The updated smoke detectors have a sealed battery that does not require replacement and cost less than 20 dollars. The Carbondale fire department is available to help assist with installation and can provide free alarms to those who cannot afford them.
