Lake County Gazette

The Buffalo Grove Fire Department (BGFD) is set to install over 500 smoke detectors in senior housing units next week. This initiative is made possible through a donation from the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and Camp I Am Me.

"Through this donation, we will be able to make life safer for hundreds of senior citizens in our community, at no cost to themselves nor the village," said Buffalo Grove Fire Chief Larry Kane in a Village of Buffalo Grove Fire Department news release.

According to the release, Buffalo Grove is one of 48 fire departments in Illinois participating in a program that provides 10-year, sealed battery smoke detectors. The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance expanded this program after receiving grant funds earlier this summer. BGFD's campaign represents the largest effort among all participating departments in the state.

The department has identified 208 senior housing units within Buffalo Grove's Cambridge on the Lake neighborhood as eligible for these new smoke alarms. These installations will replace existing smoke detectors that date back to 1993. The installation process will involve firefighters, paramedics, and volunteers from the village's Community Emergency Response Team from October 22-24.

Kane emphasized that residents should replace any smoke alarm older than ten years with a model featuring a 10-year lithium-ion battery. To ensure adequate coverage, alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside separate sleeping areas, and on each level of the home, including basements.

The BGFD offers non-emergency services such as smoke detector installation throughout the year. For more information or to request services, residents can visit vbg.org/fire.