Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, coal, natural gas, propane and methane) burn incompletely. CO alarms are your best protection against this silent threat because they provide a warning when carbon monoxide reaches dangerous levels, allowing people time to escape.

• Sources of CO include fuel-powered vehicles and equipment, gas and charcoal grills, and gas and wood-burning fireplaces. Water heaters, furnaces and kitchen ranges that are improperly installed or malfunctioning can also give off carbon monoxide.

• CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, and in other locations where required by law. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home.

• Test and replace CO alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the alarm still sounds after replacing batteries, make sure everyone exits the home and then call 911. The fire department will measure CO levels, help to identify the source and let you know when it is safe to return.

• CO poisoning can result in illness or death. Symptoms of CO poisoning include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light-headedness and headaches.

• Help prevent CO from entering your home by following these tips:
  • Don't warm your vehicle in the garage, even if garage doors are open.
  • Keep the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace vents clear of snow.
  • Never use a generator indoors.
  • Never use your oven to heat your home.
  • Have fuel-burning equipment and chimneys inspected annually by a professional.
  • When using a fireplace, always ensure the flue is open.
  • Never use gas or charcoal grills in the home or garage - only use them outside.

For more information about Carbon Monoxide, click on the links below:

• For Adults
• For Kids

Dispose

To dispose of a fire extinguisher:

• Check with the manufacturer
• Attend Schaumburg’s annual spring recycling event
• Drop it off at Naperville's Household Hazardous Waste Facility

Fire Extinguisher Use

Only use portable fire extinguishers when:

• The fire is confined to a small area (such as a wastebasket)
• The fire is at its beginning stages
• The fire department has been called or is being called
• Evacuation has begun
• The room/area is not filling with smoke

Choose

For the home/office select a multi-purpose (Class ABC) extinguisher:

• Large enough to put out a small fire
• Not too heavy

Locate

• Locate the extinguisher close to an exit
• Keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape
• If the room/area fills with smoke or the fire isn’t being controlled, leave immediately

Operate

To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS

• Pull the pin – Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism

• Aim low – Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire (from 6-8 feet away)

• Squeeze the lever – Squeeze slowly and evenly

• Sweep the nozzle from side to side – Sweep 3-6 inches beyond fire edge until contents depleted

Fire Extinguisher FAQs 

When should I replace my fire extinguisher?
Residential fire extinguishers typically have an operating life of approximately 10 years (always check with the manufacturer). If you do not know the age of your extinguisher, it is best to replace it.

How do I know if my fire extinguisher is still usable?
Check the gauge on the extinguisher. The needle should be in the green area indicating that the extinguisher is pressurized, full and functional.

What type of extinguisher should I have in my home?
An “ABC” rated extinguisher is recommended for residential usage.

When should I call 911?
Any time you use an extinguisher, it is safest to call 911. There is always a chance material could still reignite.

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained give early warning of a fire so you can get out quickly.

• Illinois law requires existing homes built prior to 1988 to have smoke alarms installed on every level of the home with at least one smoke alarm within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes. Starting January 1, 2023 homes that are using smoke alarms with removable batteries are required to install new alarms that feature 10-year sealed battery alarms. It is recommended to have one smoke alarm in every bedroom and to have them all interconnected. 

• Illinois law requires existing homes built after 1988 to have hard-wired and interconnected smoke alarms on every level of the home with at least one smoke alarm within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes. It is recommended to have one smoke alarm in every bedroom.

• New homes and homes that undergo alterations are required to have interconnected smoke alarms on every level of the home with at least one smoke alarm within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes and one smoke alarm in every bedroom.

• Smoke alarms should be tested per the manufacturer's instructions (usually at least once a month) by pressing the test button.

• Smoke alarms should be replaced every 8-10 years, per the manufacturer's instructions.

• Make sure everyone in the home knows that the sound of the smoke alarm means to get out quickly!

For more information about Smoke Alarms, click the links below:

• For Adults
• For Kids

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Keep your home and family safe by following these tips:

• Keep anything that can burn, like oven mitts, towels, curtains and food packaging, away from the stove.

• Stay by the stove when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must step away, turn off the stove.

  

• Check on items in the oven often. Set a timer as a reminder.

• Wear short sleeves or roll up long sleeves when using the stove.

• Never put water on a grease fire.

• Keep a lid nearby while cooking on the stovetop. If you have a pan fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.

• If there is a fire in the oven, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.

• Keep a 3-foot "kid-free zone" around the stove and hot food items.

• Keep pot handles turned back, away from the stove edge, and use the back burners when possible.

• Take care when removing lids from hot foods. Be careful when removing hot foods or liquids from the microwave.

• Place hot items in the center of the dinner table. Keep hot liquids such as coffee away from children's reach.

For more information about Cooking Safety, click on the links below:

• For Adults
• For Kids

Electrical Safety

We use electricity every day to make our lives easier. Follow these tips to utilize electricity safely.

• Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician in accordance with local requirements.

• Ensure electrical cords do not run under carpet or get caught under furniture legs. Check cords for signs of wear, frayed edges, or exposed wires. Replace damaged cords immediately.

• Major appliances like refrigerators and clothes dryers should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet and not plugged into extension cords or power strips.

• Only plug one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time.

• Have a qualified electrician add new outlets in areas where you need them rather than relying on extension cords. Extension cords are intended for temporary use only.

• Buy electrical products with labels showing that have been tested by independent laboratories like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Factory Mutual.

• Signs of electrical problems include: frequent tripping of circuit breakers, discolored or warm electrical outlets, flickering or dimming lights, a tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance, and sparks from an outlet. Have a qualified electrician inspect your electrical system.

For more information about Electrical Safety, click on the links below:

• For Adults
• For Kids

Home Fire Safety Self-Assessment

Download the Schaumburg Fire Department's self-assessment to measure your level of fire safety in the home. 

Free Home Safety Visit for Older Adults

Home Safety Visits are a proven way to reduce fire injuries and deaths. The Schaumburg Fire Department offers free Home Safety Visits to older adults in the community. As part of the visit, fire department staff will:

• Test/install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
• Discuss fall prevention
• Discuss cooking safety and general fire safety
• Inspect the property to identify any potential safety issues

Schedule your Home Safety Visit by calling the Schaumburg Fire Department at (847) 885-6300.