Hurley Highlights Fire Prevention Month, Legislation to Promote Fire Safety

CHICAGO – In recognition of October as Fire Prevention Month, state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, is sharing tips to help prevent home fires and highlighting a new law she passed to promote fire safety.

“Many fires are preventable and it is important that we take easy proactive steps, like regularly testing smoke detectors and keeping matches and lighters away from children to keep our homes and loved ones safe,” said Hurley. “You never know when a fire may strike, so I encourage residents to create an action plan and stay up-to-date on fire prevention best practices.”

Hurley is highlighting Fire Prevention Month and is encouraging residents to prepare for the event of a fire by checking smoke detectors regularly, practicing an escape route twice a year, and keeping matches and lighters out of reach of children. For more fire safety tips, Hurley encourages residents to view the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal Fire Safety Checklist at https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/sfm.

Hurley, who serves as the Chair of the Police and Fire Committee and Chair of the Firefighters and First Responders Subcommittee, also passed a new law to ensure that qualified individuals are making inspections on fire and smoke dampers inside commercial structures. Hurley’s measure passed with unanimous bipartisan support and was backed by the Illinois Firefighters Association.

“The upcoming winter holidays are some of the days when home fires occur most frequently, so it is never too early to start familiarizing yourself and your loved ones with a fire prevention and escape plan,” continued Hurley. “I urge residents to take the easy steps outlined by the state fire marshal to help prevent fires and keep their families safe.”