New Smoke Alarm Regulations in Effect 1/1/2023

Since 1988, smoke alarms have been required in all residential dwellings including, single-family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc. located in Illinois. In 2017, the Illinois Smoke Detector Act was revised to reflect advances in alarm technology. As part of that revision, effective January 1, 2023, any new smoke alarm being installed in a single or multi-family home must feature a 10-year sealed (non-removable) battery. A sealed battery alarm ensures that the power source cannot be removed from the unit and, if properly maintained, will last the life of the device.

Existing non-hardwired, battery-powered smoke alarms must be replaced with a 10-year, sealed battery smoke alarm when it meets any of the following criteria: the unit is 10 years older than the date of manufacture (or there is no manufacture date on the device); the unit is no longer operational or fails to respond to operability tests; or a new device is being installed.

As a reminder, make sure to install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. There should be an alarm within 15 feet of every sleeping area, and preferably inside all bedrooms. Choose installation locations away from the path of steam from bathrooms and cooking vapors from the kitchen, which can result in false or nuisance alarms.  Smoke alarms should be installed away from windows, doors, or ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation. 

Working smoke alarms double your chances of survival and provide inexpensive protection for you and your family. Since most fatal home fires happen at night when you are asleep and are least able to respond quickly, early warning of a fire is critical. Make sure everyone is your household knows the sound of the smoke alarm and knows what to do if they hear the sound.

We thank all of our residents for practicing fire safety and helping make Elk Grove Village a fire-safe community.

If you have questions about smoke alarm installation or placement, please call the Elk Grove Village Public Education Division at 847-734-8027.