February 19, 2026 – The Decatur Fire Department is participating in “Be Alarmed!,” a statewide initiative that provides free 10-year sealed smoke alarms and fire safety education to eligible homeowners.
The program is offered in partnership with the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
Through the initiative, firefighters will visit qualifying homes to review basic fire safety practices, check for potential hazards and assist residents in developing a home fire escape plan. Crews will also install up to three 10-year sealed lithium smoke alarms at no cost. The alarms are designed to last the life of the device and do not allow battery removal.
The program is available to homeowners living in privately owned, owner-occupied residences. Rental properties, hotels and other leased properties are not eligible under the Illinois Smoke Detector Act.
Homeowners interested in receiving smoke alarms or scheduling a home fire safety check can contact Decatur Fire Station 1 at 217-424-2811 during regular office hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fire Chief Neil Elder said the department encourages eligible residents to take advantage of the free program to help keep their homes protected.
