Effective January 1, 2023
The updated law requires Illinois residents to replace their old smoke alarms with the type that has a long-term, 10-year sealed battery. This would apply to residents that are still using alarms with removable batteries or alarms that are not hardwire.
What is the Updated Illinois Smoke Alarm Law?
- Since 1988, all dwellings in Illinois have been required to have smoke alarms
- In 2017, Public Act 100-0200 was passed to update the Illinois Smoke Detector Act to reflect advances in alarm technology
- As of January 1, 2023, any new smoke alarm being installed within a single or multi-family home are required to be featured with a 10-year sealed battery
- Smoke alarms in single or multi-family homes prior to January 1, 2023 may remain in place until they exceed 10 years from their manufactured date, fails to respond to operability tests, or otherwise malfunctions
Exemptions
- Homes built after 1988 that already have hardwired smoke alarms
- Home with wireless integrated alarms that use low-power radio frequency communications, Wi-Fi, or other Wireless Local Area Networking capabilities
Are You Protected?
3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms!
- Install smoke alarms on every level and in every bedroom.
- Test smoke alarms monthly.
- Alarms don’t last forever, remember to replace your smoke alarms every 10 years.
- Plan and practice your escape route with your family at least twice a year.
- If your smoke alarm does sound, leave the home immediately and call 9-1-1.