Lake County Gazette

Rep. Weber Urges Constituents to Practice Fire Safety

Feb 21, 2025

In response to recent house fires in the area, resulting in the deaths of ten Illinois residents over the past week, Rep. Weber is urging constituents to prioritize fire safety. With December through February accounting for nearly half of all home heating fires in Illinois, he encourages residents to review proper fire safety precautions.

According to the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM), key steps to prevent these tragedies include testing and inspecting all smoke alarms monthly, reviewing and practicing fire escape plans, and following manufacturers' instructions on all home heating devices.

OSFM also recommends several safety tips for winter months:

- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional; change furnace filters frequently.

- Ensure stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment are installed by qualified professionals according to local codes and manufacturers’ instructions.

- Keep interior and exterior air vents clear of obstructions.

- Maintain a three-foot clearance around heating equipment such as furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, or portable space heaters.

- Purchase units with automatic shutoff features in case they tip over or are left on unintentionally.

- Use sturdy screens for fireplaces to prevent sparks from flying into rooms; ensure ashes are cool before placing them into metal containers kept at a safe distance from homes.

- Establish a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

- Test smoke and CO alarms monthly; familiarize yourself with their sounds.

- Avoid using ovens or ranges to heat homes.

- Turn off portable or space heaters when leaving rooms or going to bed.

- Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on each floor of your home and within 15 feet of sleeping areas; check CO detector lifespan for replacement information.

"As you have probably all heard," said Rep. Weber "we have had some serious house fires in the area recently. "

"Per the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall," Rep.Weber said "the most important steps you can take to prevent these tragedies are testing and inspecting all smoke alarms monthly."

"Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned inspected every year by a qualified professional" recommended OSFM.

"Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment", advised OSFM.

"Test smoke an CO alarms at least once a month", urged OSFM.

"Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on each floor of your home", instructed OSFM.

To read OSFM’s full press release on winter home heating fire safety, click here.