Hoffman Estates to consider allowing security fog systems to thwart business burglaries

Burglar alarms for businesses in Hoffman Estates could soon borrow a page from spy thrillers if village trustees approve a change to the town’s fire code.

The proposed change would allow security fog systems that instantly pump thick clouds of non-toxic theatrical fog into a closed business if a burglar triggers the alarm.

Hoffman Estates Fire Chief Alan Wax explained the systems to the village board members during their public health and safety committee meeting earlier this week.

“When a burglary is detected with these devices, then the fog is pumped into the area, filling it up, which renders the burglars unable to see what they’re trying to steal and thus they end up retreating outside, going back the way they entered,” he said.

Police Chief Kasia Cawley provided even more detail on the systems’ effectiveness. She had witnessed a demonstration in a room about the size of the village’s council chamber.

“Within 30 seconds, the room was filled with fog,” Cawley said. “You couldn’t see the person next to you. We opened the door, and the fog came out. I would say 15 to 20 minutes and the fog was gone.”

The list of suburban towns that already allow the systems includes Wheeling, Berwyn, Hickory Hills, Lyons, Homer Glen, Darien, Tinley Park and Elmwood Park.

Wheeling Deputy Police Chief Troy Musolf said his department has shared its successes with Hoffman Estates and supports the staff recommendation to allow the systems.

Hoffman Estates trustees are expected to vote Monday on the proposed fire code change.

At this week’s meeting, Wax responded to the board’s questions about the security fog systems.

The systems are turned on and off from a code panel similar to a conventional burglar alarm. If the systems are allowed in Hoffman Estates, businesses would need permits to install them and make deactivation codes available to police and fire departments.

“We recognize there have been burglaries in our area,” Wax said. “This has shown to prevent the actual burglaries from occurring.”

The fog is so thick that responding police officers would create a perimeter and wait for it to dissipate before entering a business where burglars might still be inside, Cawley said.

Though the fog isn’t dangerous, officials said Hoffman Estates would require any open food that came in contact with it to be disposed of. Also, exposed eating surfaces and utensils would need to be cleaned.

Village board members expressed strong support ahead of the formal vote.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Mayor Bill McLeod said. “I think we ought to implement it, see how it goes. There’s been a rash of these burglaries, particularly at the gaming locations.”

Trustee Patrick Kinnane said security fog systems should be available to all interested businesses, not just certain categories like gambling cafes and jewelry stores.

epeterson@dailyherald.com