How often should I replace my smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors?

Smoke detectors typically last up to ten (10) years.  As they reach the end of their useful life, they will typically "beep" and will not stop "beeping" even if new batteries are installed.  Most smoke detectors also have a manufacture date sticker on the inside battery compartment or on the bottom plate of the smoke detector.  New smoke detectors come with ten (10) year long-life batteries installed which cannot be changed and when the battery is depleted, it is time to replace the entire smoke detector assembly.  Starting in 2023, only ten (10) year life smoke detectors with sealed battery chambers may be sold and installed in the State of Illinois.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors have a shorter life span - typically five (5) years.  When they reach the end of their useful life, they typically go into "alarm" and will not stop, even if reset and/or new batteries are installed. Like smoke detectors, CO detectors typically have a manufacture date sticker on the inside battery compartment or on the bottom/backside plate of the detector. 

When replacing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, look for units that have been independently tested and have either the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) seal or Factory Mutual (FM) seal.  Smoke detectors should be installed (as a minimum) on every floor and inside every bedroom of your home.Smoke detectors with both ionization and photoelectric sensors (i.e. dual sensors) provide the most protection.  Don’t put smoke detectors in your kitchen or bathrooms, since cooking smoke and/or moisture will cause false activation of the detector.  The Fire Department recommends selecting a CO detector unit with a digital read-out for easy of use.  Smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors can be purchased regionally at Wal-Mart, Target, ACE Hardware, Home Depot, and Lowes. The Fire Department does not routinely sell or provide smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors to residents.  Occasionally, these devices may be available free of charge through special grants received from time to time by the Fire Department and information regarding these special events will be listed in the Village newsletter.

In rental properties, it is the responsibility of the landlord to provide and maintain working smoke detectors 

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1. What hospitals do the Fire Department ambulances transport emergency medical patients to?
2. Is there a fee charged for emergency medical and/or ambulance service?
3. How do I obtain a copy of a fire report or ambulance report?
4. Why does a fire engine respond on ambulance calls?
5. How often should I replace my smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors?
6. Is open burning of landscape waste allowed in the Village of Wheeling?
7. Does the Fire Department perform lock-outs?
8. Are barbecue grills allowed on balconies in apartment or condominium complexes?
9. What does "ISO Class 2" mean on the side of the Fire Department’s vehicles?
10. How do I obtain a fire hydrant flow test for my project?
11. Does the Fire Department have volunteer/paid-on-call firefighter positions?
12. Does the Fire Department provide Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training?
13. Does the Fire Department conduct Fire Station tours?
14. Does the Fire Department trade, swap, or sell patches, t-shirts, etc.?