Moline Fire Department offers free smoke-alarm installation to city residents

The Moline Fire Department has joined state and local fire safety officials to promote the importance of working smoke alarms and a free installation program available to Moline residents, a news release says.

Through the Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation Program, the Moline Fire Department has installed more than 900 smoke alarms in 221 households at no cost to residents.

“In the time it takes to watch your favorite TikTok video, you could test your smoke or carbon monoxide detector,” said Moline Fire Marshal Mitch Cunningham. “A few minutes today could make all the difference tomorrow.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by about 60%. Most home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.

“Having working smoke alarms in your home is one of the simplest and most important ways to protect yourself and your family from a home fire," said Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. “When a fire starts, every second matters, and working smoke alarms provide the early warning people need to get out safely.”

The Be Alarmed! program is a statewide partnership between Camp I Am Me and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. Participating fire departments provide free 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms, installation and fire safety education to qualifying households.

“Today, we are proud to highlight the Moline Fire Department for not only their dedication to fire safety education outreach in the community, but also for their efforts with Be Alarmed! as they have installed more than 900 alarms in 221 households since joining the program,” said Philip Zaleski, executive director of Camp I Am Me by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance.

Since the program began in 2018, more than 70% of smoke alarms replaced through Be Alarmed! have been found to be non-functioning because of missing or dead batteries or because they were more than 10 years old.

Smoke alarm safety tips

• Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level of your home.
• Test alarms monthly using the test button.
• Replace alarms every 10 years or sooner if damaged or malfunctioning.
• Consider accessibility needs for household members with sensory or physical disabilities.

Need a smoke alarm?

The Moline Fire Department offers free smoke alarms and installation to eligible Moline homeowners through the Be Alarmed! program. To request assistance, call 309-524-2266 or complete the online form here.

Learn more about the statewide program here.

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