Specialized smoke alarms distributed to protect children across Lake County
Vernon Hills, IL – In a collaborative effort between the nonprofit Camp I Am Me by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, local fire departments, and John Powers Center, specialized smoke alarm devices are being distributed to families with young deaf or hard of hearing children.
The deaf and hard of hearing program located at John Powers Center and Grayslake North High School provides instructional and integrated services for students from early childhood to high school who are deaf or hard of hearing and rely on sign language as their main mode of communication or use it to supplement their auditory and oral communication skills. Students may receive both instructional and consultive services and instruction is provided based on their educational needs and may include self-advocacy, academic skills, language, and communication skills.
“We are thrilled to partner with Camp I Am Me and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal to equip our students’ homes with this life-saving technology. This collaboration allows us to directly connect our students with the essential resources needed to ensure a safe home environment,” said Amy Timonen, John Powers Center Principal.
Since 2018, Camp I Am Me and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal have spearheaded the “Be Alarmed!” Smoke Alarm Installation Program, providing fire safety education materials and smoke alarms to fire departments statewide. Emergency responders then deliver the education while installing smoke alarms in at-risk homes within their communities, all at no cost.
“Having working smoke alarms in homes is absolutely vital, especially as modern construction materials – many of which are synthetic – cause homes to burn faster and hotter than ever before, reducing escape time to two minutes or less,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal, Michele Pankow. “Equally important is having a well-practiced fire escape plan that considers the unique needs of all family members, as some may require additional time to safely evacuate during a fire.”
In 2024, Camp I Am Me secured a FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program award of $315,000. This funding not only bolstered the ongoing efforts to install smoke alarms in Illinois homes but also enabled the acquisition of bed shaker smoke alarm devices designed to safeguard the deaf and hard of hearing community.
Camp I Am Me Executive Director, Philip Zaleski, highlighted the importance of expanding the Be Alarmed! program, “The partnerships we continue to build between us, the OSFM, and more than 360 Illinois fire departments has led to more than 50,000 smoke alarms being distributed to protect Illinois residents. Working with John Powers Center to reach this vulnerable community is allowing our smoke alarm program to evolve and protect even more people across the state.”
Teachers, administrators, and members of area fire departments gathered at John Powers Center to greet the students and receive the bed shaker devices. Over the next few weeks, fire service personnel will be working with 34 families to schedule home visits and install these life-saving devices for the students.
“As firefighters, most people think of us responding to emergencies when the call for help comes in. But some of our greatest accomplishments happen before an emergency even occurs, when we can help prevent tragedy. Equipment like these bed shakers for deaf and hard of hearing individuals allow us to do just that,” said Chuck Smith, Fire Chief of the Countryside Fire Protection District. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to support our deaf and hard of hearing community through this initiative in conjunction with Camp I Am Me by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.”
Lake County fire departments that received these specialized alarms through the Be Alarmed! program included Antioch, Buffalo Grove, Countryside, Grayslake, Gurnee, Libertyville, Mundelein, Round Lake, Wauconda, and Zion.
Homeowners in need of working smoke alarms or families with an individual requiring a bed shaker device due to hearing loss are encouraged to contact their local fire department through the non-emergency number for assistance.
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About Camp I Am Me by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance:
Camp I Am Me by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free programs throughout the year to children, adults, and families what have been affected by burn-related injuries, providing them the much needed physical, psychological, and emotional support they deserve, Since 1989, Camp I Am Me has been providing safe, non-judgmental environments for burn survivors to have the opportunity to build their self-esteem and self-confidence as they experience ethe various programs and activities offered. Camp I Am Me brings support, strength, and happiness to so many children, adults, and families each year.