New legislation would require Illinois residents to replace their smoke detectors.
Newer models can be temporarily silenced without removing the battery, so homeowners don't have to take them down when they burn their popcorn.Springfield Fire Marshal Chris Richmond says non-functioning smoke detectors are found at the scene of many fire deaths.
“Here in Springfield just on February 13th, we had a three-year-old die in an apartment fire. That apartment did not have functioning smoke alarms. Tragic situation, tough on my personnel, tough on the entire community.”
The proposal’s sponsor says homes built before 1988 would have five years to bring their smoke detectors up to code. However, the rule wouldn't apply to Chicago. Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s office says the city installed new detectors in targeted neighborhoods. It also claims the alarms required under current law are “more economical and just as effective.”
The proposal’s sponsor says homes built before 1988 would have five years to get in compliance with the new alarm standards.
