Illinois Authorities Issue Urgent Warning Ahead of Time Change

Illinois Fire officials are urging residents to take an extra step when changing their clocks this weekend that could potentially be life-saving.

Check Alarms as Clocks Fall Back

As Illinois residents prepare to "fall back" this weekend, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is reminding everyone to test and replace smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.

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According to the press release, 89 Illinois residents lost their lives in residential fires in 2024, with most deaths occurring in homes without working smoke alarms.

Data from the National Fire Protection Association shows that functioning smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 60 percent, but still, many tragedies occur where alarms were missing or not operational because of dead batteries.

Replace Old Alarms and Review Escape Plans

Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, according to the press release. If your alarm was manufactured before October 2015, OSFM is urging you to upgrade to a 10-year sealed battery model.

The agency is also highlighting the importance of practicing home escape plans, ensuring two exit routes from every room, and designating a safe meeting point outside the home.

OSFM says that modern homes burn faster than ever, often leaving occupants less than three minutes to escape, so having regular drills and clear communication is the difference between life and death.

Preventing the "Silent Killer"

With temperatures already dropping into the 30s and even colder weather ahead, OSFM warns of carbon monoxide dangers.

Illinois fire departments responded to nearly 10,000 CO-related incidents in 2024, with the gas known as the "silent killer" being colorless and odorless, which makes having CO detectors essential.

Residents are urged to install CO detectors near sleeping areas, have furnaces inspected annually, and never use grills, generators, or vehicles in enclosed spaces.