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Smoke Detectors

Public Education / Community Risk Reduction
Sparky says: working smoke alarms save lives

The Hillside Fire Department has a program to provide and install free smoke detectors for anyone that needs one.

This program was designed to provide our citizens with a smoke detector for their home. Over the years, the department has installed numerous smoke detectors throughout the Village.Smoke Alarm Installation Program 2020 Impact Report statistics

  • Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms
  • More than one-third of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.
  • The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

Source: National Fire Protection Association

Smoke detectors can provide the early warning necessary to escape a deadly fire. To be effective, smoke detectors must be installed in the right location, and they must be maintained. Most fire deaths occur in homes without properly placed or maintained smoke detectors. If you have a fire, the smoke will act like an anesthetic and will put you in a deeper sleep. Therefore, you must protect yourself and your family by installing and maintaining smoke detectors in your home. A properly placed and working smoke detector will wake you in time to escape. For information about obtaining a home smoke detector, call 708-547-8684. Or click the following link to make a request: Request a Home Smoke Detector

Free Smoke Alarms

IL Smoke Alarm Installation Program banner

Free smoke alarms are provided by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance grant program.

It is the vision of the Hillside Fire Department that every home and every citizen be protected by at least one smoke alarm. We seek to implement this vision through a free smoke detector program which offers a free smoke detector to any resident of the Village of Hillside who is in need. You only need to reside in a private-owned dwelling within the Village. No apartments are eligible. To receive your free smoke detector, contact the firehouse at (708) 547-8684 and complete the Smoke Alarm Installation Survey - Liability Release Form. Buying a smoke alarm information

Installation Process

  • Firefighters will install a properly located, battery-operated smoke detector at no charge for any resident residing in the Village of Hillside.
  • The Hillside Fire Department encourages smoke detectors to be installed on each level of your home.
  • The Hillside Fire Department also carries smoke detectors along with a supply of batteries on most fire vehicles. During EMS related incidents, Firefighters will question and inspect for working smoke detectors, and will install them on scene if needed.
  • If you are renting your home and smoke detectors do not work or are not present please contact the Hillside Codes Enforcement Department at (708) 449-6450.
  • All rental property owners are required by law to provide working smoke detectors in their residential properties. Installing a Smoke Alarm Information

Free Home Hazard Checklist

A free Home Hazard Checklist will be performed by the Firefighters after installing the free smoke alarm. You may also opt to follow the Home Hazard Checklist provided and perform the assessment yourself.