Q: Where should I have my smoke detector?
A: Smoke rises, so the best place to install a detector is on the ceiling or high on an inside wall just below the ceiling. All brands have detailed installation/placement instructions. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. In multi-level residences, a smoke detector should be installed on every level. A detector is recommended within 15 feet of every sleeping room and inside every sleeping room. Again, follow the directions that come with your smoke detector.
Q: How often should I change the battery in my smoke detector?
A: Batteries in smoke detectors should be changed at least twice a year; it is easy to remember that when you change your clocks change your smoke detector battery.
Q: What should I do if my Carbon Monoxide Defector goes off?
A: Keep all windows and doors closed, exit the house, and call 911 from a neighbor's house or your cell phone. Doors and windows are closed so that the fire department can get an actual reading and try to locate the problem. If the house is vented, the fire department will detect lower readings if there is a problem.
Q: How often should I have my fireplace and furnace checked?
A: Have your furnace cleaned and checked once a year by a trained technician; also, have them check your furnace and gas water heater for proper venting. Wood burning fireplaces should also be cleaned once a year to remove any soot buildup which becomes flammable. Have the chimney sweep check the mortar joints in a brick fireplace for any cracking or open joints.
Q: Are outside fires or burning allowed?
A: Outdoor fireplaces with a lid and/or a spark arrester are allowed but are to be used for recreational purposes only. Fireplace logs are the only wood that is authorized to be used. The Village of East Dundee allows the burning of leaves and yard waste. To find the approved burning schedule, visit www.eastdundee.net for more information.
Q: Who should I call to get my fire extinguisher recharged?
A: The fire department does not fill fire extinguishers. Most household fire extinguishers are disposable and cannot be re-charged because the cylinders are made of plastic. Metal fire extinguishers can be recharged by a fire extinguisher company which you can find on the labels or by an internet search.
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For more information, contact or visit our Fire Prevention Bureau office at Station 41 at 847-426-7521 x4003, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., or fill out an inquiry form on the contact us page.