Galesburg Fire Chief Randy Hovind and Captain Ben Caruana joined Galesburg's Morning News to highlight the importance of fire safety and emergency preparedness.
The interview focuses on a recent heroic act by a Galesburg resident who extinguished a kitchen fire, emphasizes the critical role of smoke detectors (especially with new state law requirements), provides actionable fire safety advice, and promotes community resources for smoke detector installation.
Importance of Smoke Detectors and Updated Regulations:
- Captain Caruana stresses that "the fire doubles in size every minute," making early detection crucial.
- Smoke detectors alert occupants during the "incipient stage" of a fire.
- A new state law (effective January 1, 2023) requires 10-year sealed battery smoke detectors to eliminate issues with battery removal and ensure continuous operation for a decade.
- Testing smoke detectors monthly is still necessary, despite the 10-year battery, to ensure functionality.
- State law mandates one smoke detector on each floor, including the basement, and within 15 feet of all sleeping quarters.
Fire Safety and Escape Planning:
- The primary recommendation in a fire is to "get out and call 911."
- Having a fire extinguisher is important, but only use it if you are comfortable doing so and know how.
- Having and practicing a home escape plan with children is critical, including designating a meeting place.
- Chief Hovind advises shutting doors at night to slow the spread of fire.
Community Resources and Fire Department Assistance:
- The Galesburg Fire Department partners with the Red Cross to provide and install smoke detectors for residents, free of charge.
- An eligibility form is available on the City of Galesburg website (www.ci.galesburg.il.us) under the Fire Department's Community Programs.
- The Fire Department will install smoke detectors to meet state requirements (one on each level and within 15 feet of sleeping areas).
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors:
- State law requires at least one carbon monoxide alarm within 15 feet of sleeping quarters.
- Combination smoke/CO detectors are available.
- The Fire Department is working to raise awareness of this requirement.
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