Register to Have Smoke Detectors Checked, Changed on April 25

On Saturday, April 25, Arlington Heights residents can have new batteries placed in their home smoke detectors at no cost and faulty detectors replaced through "The Katie Project," a community initiative that started two years ago following a devastating fire that killed three women inside a home on Dunton Avenue where there was an inoperable smoke detector.

The goal of "The Katie Project" is to make fire safety easy and to help ensure that more homes in Arlington Heights have working smoke detectors. This initiative is named after Village Trustee Joe Farwell's cousin who died in a home fire in the 1970s before it was commonplace to have smoke detectors in homes.

If you are interested in having the battery of your smoke detectors checked and replaced by volunteer teams with "The Katie Project" on Saturday, April 25 between 9 a.m. and Noon, please register by emailing your name, address and phone number to nkluz@vah.com or please call the Village Manager's Office at 847-368-5100.

This free 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." The program will continue until all donated batteries and smoke detectors are used.

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