Smoke Detector Batteries Changed for Free with The Katie Project

Arlington Heights residents can have new batteries placed in their home smoke detectors at no cost through a community initiative, named “The Katie Project”. The goal of this program is to make fire safety easy and to help ensure that more homes in Arlington Heights have working smoke detectors.

The initiative, started by Village Trustee Joe Farwell, was launched after a devastating fire in November that killed three women inside a home on Dunton Avenue where there was an inoperable smoke detector. The Katie Project is named after Trustee Farwell's cousin who died in a home fire in the 1970s before it was commonplace to have smoke detectors in homes.

Teams with The Katie Project will visit homes of residents on the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to Noon, starting Saturday, December 14. Appointments to have batteries replaced in smoke detectors must be made by calling the Village Manager's Office at 847-368-5100. The free program will continue until all donated batteries are used.

This program benefits residents who do not have the opportunity or ability to check whether their smoke detectors need new batteries. Any Arlington Heights resident, whether living in a home, apartment or condo is eligible to participate in The Katie Project.

Residents are encouraged to check their smoke detectors on a regular basis and to purchase new detectors every 10 years.