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Phone: 815-223-3755
Fax: 815-223-9508
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Fire Department Public Education

Each year people of all ages die tragically from fires which could have been prevented. Fire can occur at any time, day or night. National statistics have proven that fire prevention programs can reduce the number fires in a community.

The La Salle Fire Department is committed to the education of residents to help ensure their safety. The following are just some of the programs offered to citizens of La Salle.

  • School Fire Drills.
  • Fire Safety education for children of all ages.
  • Fire Safety training for the elderly.
  • Fire Safety House for children.
  • Fire Station Educational Tours.
  • Evacuation and preplanning for businesses.
  • Tornado/Severe weather awareness programs and drills.

Smoke Detectors

Over 4,000 people die every year in residential fires in the United States. Most fatal home fires occur between 8:00 P.M. and 8:00 A.M. while residents are asleep. A smoke detector buys valuable time. As soon as it senses smoke, an alarm automatically sounds, allowing residents a chance to get out before toxic fumes accumulate to lethal levels.

Smoke detectors should be installed on each level of the house, in all bedrooms, and in hallways close to sleeping areas. They should be placed eight to ten inches away from corners and ceilings and at least three feet away from vents which might re-circulate smoke. Never place a smoke detector on an un-insulated wall or ceiling. Remember to:

  • Test your smoke detector at least once a month by pressing the test button
  • Replace worn batteries immediately or at least twice a year
  • Never borrow smoke detector batteries for other uses
  • Dust and vacuum detectors at least twice a year
  • Make sure detectors are working when you return home after an extended absence

When purchasing a smoke detector, the determining factor should be quality, not price. Verify that the detector has a laboratory label (UL) (FM) and an alarm loud enough to awaken a sleeping family. The detector should also have a malfunction signal for drained batteries.

Smoke detectors save lives by giving occupants an early warning of toxic smoke. They are inexpensive, easy to purchase, and easy to install and maintain. Don't let yourself or your loved ones be without this early warning life saver.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless and nonirritating gas that is a natural by-product of combustion when fuel-burning appliances are operating. These devices can include gas furnaces, gas water heaters, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, gas ranges or ovens, gas dryers, kerosene heaters, charcoal/gas grills, lawn mowers, snow blowers, and chain saws. A crack in the flue system, blocked chimney, appliance malfunction or car left running in an attached garage are some of the ways CO can leak indoors, making residents sick. Exposure to lower levels of CO over several hours can be just as dangerous as exposure to higher levels for a few minutes. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can mimic the flu and include a headache, fatigue, sleepiness, nausea, trouble breathing, diarrhea, and dizziness. Those most at risk are children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with lung or heart disease. Early detection of carbon monoxide is possible with a UL listed carbon monoxide detector. If the detector goes off, contact the fire department, leave the house, and wait for help in a well-ventilated area.