THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES IS REMINDING FAMILIES TO PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY. 

THIS IS FIRE PREVENTION WEEK AND D-C-F-S SPOKESPERSON DEBORAH LOPEZ SAYS THEY HAVE A PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES FREE SMOKE ALARMS TO FAMILIES SERVED BY THE DEPARTMENT. ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION, THE RISK OF DYING IN A HOME FIRE IS CUT IN HALF WHEN WORKING SMOKE ALARMS ARE PRESENT.

LOPEZ SAYS IT’S ALSO IMPORTANT TO HAVE A FAMILY ESCAPE PLAN IN CASE OF FIRE THAT EVERYONE PRACTICES PERIODICALLY.

UNDER ILLINOIS LAW, SMOKE ALARMS MUST BE INSTALLED WITHIN 15 FEET OF EVERY BEDROOM AND ONE ON EACH FLOOR OF THE HOUSE. FAMILIES SERVED BY D-C-F-S CAN REQUEST FREE SMOKE ALARMS FROM THEIR CASEWORKER OR LOCAL OFFICE.