Kankakee, IL – According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 4,000 people a year die from a fire with majority of cases being reported as residential fires. October is fire prevention month. The Kankakee Fire Department is reminding residents prevention is key.

“Practice home exit drills to ensure all occupants know how to get out of their residence should a fire or other emergency occur,” said Fire Chief, Damon Schuldt.

A link to how to create a home escape plan can be found on the City of Kankakee’s website here: https://citykankakee-il.gov/perch/resources/fpw18homeescapeplanandgridactivity-1.pdf.

"We ask everyone to check their smoke detectors regularly and replace batteries, if applicable, every 6 months. The upcoming time change is a good reminder to change those batteries,” said Fire Chief, Damon Schuldt.

It is also important to note to have a home safety check list which can be found here: https://citykankakee-il.gov/perch/resources/homesafetychecklist.pdf.

“Far too often we do not take a moment to think about how to properly prepare for the chances of a fire breaking out in our homes. I am grateful the City of Kankakee has a very proactive fire department as these tips are great reminders to have a plan in place,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

Currently, the City of Kankakee has had a total of 32 structure fires in 2020.

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The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

Download the Press Release - Kankakee Fire Department on Fire Prevention Month