Among the most important live saving pieces of equipment in your home are your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Here are a few things you should know:

• Every dwelling needs to have at least one smoke detector and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes.
• Smoke detectors should be installed on the ceiling at least 6 inches away from any wall or on a wall between 4 and 6 inches from the ceiling.
• Every single-family residence shall have at least one smoke detector installed on every story, including basements. They are not required in unoccupied attics.
• Test your smoke detectors and CO alarms once a month. Most new smoke detectors have a sealed 10 year battery. However, if you still maintain an older detector, you will need to change the batteries twice a year.
• Smoke detectors and CO detectors are generally only good for 10 years. The date of manufacture should be on the back of the detector.
• The CO alarm may be combined with smoke-detecting devices, provided that the combined unit emits an alarm in a manner that clearly differentiates the hazard.

For the complete state requirements, check out the Illinois Smoke Detector Act and the Illinois Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act.

For more information about required inspections and code requirements for the Village, please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 847-781-2642.

Please note that 48 hours advance notice is required for all inspections.

Open burning is prohibited, except where an approved container is used. Yard waste and items that are typically thrown in the garbage are prohibited from being burned.

Fire pits are allowed as long as they are used in compliance with the Village of Hoffman Estate’s open burning and fire pit ordinances. Any fire that is deemed to be a nuisance by the fire or police department will be required to be extinguished.