The Cicero Fire Department distributed 600 free smoke detectors to residents on Tuesday (October 11, 2016) at the Cicero Community Center. The program was co-sponsored with Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Kohl’s Cares in celebration of Fire Prevention Week. Last year, the fire department responded to more than 100 fires. For more than 13 years, Kohl’s Cares supports the Lurie Children’s Play it Safe with Kohl’s program, which implements community-based solutions and projects to reduce children’s injuries in their homes, neighborhoods, schools and communities. This year Kohl’s had donated $535,686 to Lurie Children’s for this program.

Every year in the United States, about 2,000 people lose their lives in residential fires. A majority of fatal fires happen when families are asleep and are unaware that a fire has started. Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms are considered to be one of the best and least expensive means of providing an early warning. “Cicero distributes smoke detectors to residents year round but we were happy to partner with Kohl’s Cares and Lurie Children’s Hospital to showcase the continued need for residents to monitor and install smoke detectors,” said Cicero Fire Chief Dominick Buscemi. “We distributed 600 smoke detectors to resident during the program to commemorate the nation’s annual Fire Prevention Week to raise awareness of fire safety and to make sure that every home in the community is covered with a smoke detector. Smoke detectors save lives. Every home should have at least one for each floor.” Fire Chief Buscemi said that anyone who would like to receive a free smoke detector should visit one of the town’s Fire Houses during daytime hours.