Similar in nature to a Smoke Alarm, a Carbon Monoxide Alarm is designed to warn you if your family or customers are in danger. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless deadly gas. It is virtually unrecognizable; it can do its damage before you realize it’s there.

Carbon Monoxide detectors must be installed within fifteen feet (15') of each room used for sleeping.

More information about carbon monoxide alarms and smoke alarms can be found here.

The City of Evanston authorities are increasingly concerned about a surge in structure fires linked to e-bikes stored and charged inside residential dwellings. As electric bicycles gain popularity for their eco-friendly and efficient transportation, our community must be aware of the potential dangers and adopt best practices to ensure safety.

The primary contributors to fire incidents directly attributed to e-bikes are the result of improper charging, storage, and maintenance. To address this issue and safeguard our community, the following essential safety concerns and best practices have been identified:

Proper Charging and Storage
E-bike owners should always use the manufacturer-approved charger and charge the bike in a well-ventilated area. Never leave the e-bike unattended while charging, and avoid charging it near flammable materials such as paper, fabrics, or cleaning chemicals.

Battery Maintenance
Regularly inspect the e-bike's battery for any signs of damage, wear, or leaks. If any issues are identified, the battery should be replaced immediately, and old batteries should be disposed of responsibly.

Designated Charging Area
It is essential to designate a specific and safe area within your home or garage solely for e-bike charging. This area should be clear of potential fire hazards and equipped with a fire extinguisher and smoke alarm.

Fire Safety Equipment
Every household with an e-bike should have functional fire extinguishers and smoke alarms strategically placed throughout the property. Knowing how to use fire extinguishers effectively is crucial for emergency preparedness.

The Evanston Fire Department is committed to enhancing public safety and has planned various initiatives to educate residents on e-bike safety. Our community's safety remains our utmost priority as we witness a concerning rise in e-bike-related fires. By promoting responsible charging, proper storage, and regular maintenance, we can collectively reduce the risk of such incidents. Together, we can make The City of Evanston a safer place for everyone.

The Evanston Fire Department recommends (but does not require) that every residence (single family home, individual condo units, individual apartments, etc.) have at least one fire extinguisher.

Commercial buildings (businesses, multi-unit residences with large common areas, etc.) are required to have at least one fire extinguisher available in an easily identifiable location.

For more information on fire extinguishers click here.

Fire pits are known to be a great source of warmth and ambience. But, with the popularity of fire pits increasing, fire safety has become even more important. There are many things you should consider while setting up and using a fire pit. The use of fire pits is permissible when all City of Evanston regulations are followed. You can read the Evanston fire pit regulations here.

Safety Tips:

• Keep away from flammable material and fluids such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid or vehicles while in use.
• Do not use flammable fluids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid to light or relight fires.
• Exercise the same precautions you would with an open fire.
• Do not allow children to use the fire pit. Keep children and pets away.
• Do not wear flammable or loose fitting clothing such as nylon.
• Before starting the fire, make sure that the lid will still close to extinguish the fire in case of emergency. Do not overload.
• Before you light the fire, check the wind direction.

Related: More information about bonfires and bonfire permits can be found here.

Grilling in the backyard can make for a fun time, but make sure you take proper precautions! You can read more about Fire Prevention Code related to charcoal and propane grills here.

Safety Tips:

• Never grill in enclosed areas – carbon monoxide could be produced.
• Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venture tubes – where the air and gas mix – are not blocked.
• Do not overfill the propane tank.
• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
• When using lighter fluid, do not add it to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.
• Keep all matches and lighters away form children. Supervise children around outdoor grills.
• Dispose of hot coals properly – douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.

Holiday Trees

• Selecting a Tree:
  • Needles on fresh trees should be green, and the trunk should be sticky to the touch.
  • Bounce the tree against the ground, if many needles fall the tree is not fresh and a safety hazard.
• Caring for the Tree:
  • Do not place your tree close to a heat source, heat will dry out the tree and can be easily ignited by flames.
  • Keep the tree stand filled with water.
  • The tree shouldn’t be up longer than two weeks.
• Disposing of the Tree:
  • When the tree becomes dry, discard it.
  • The best way is to take it to a recycling center or find out when the City is collecting them.

Holiday Lights

• Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, and broken or cracked sockets before putting them up.
• Use only lighting marked with an approval from a testing laboratory.
• Do not overload electrical lights: Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe.
• Do not leave holiday lights on unattended.

Holiday Decorations

• Use only nonflammable decorations.
• Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace.

Candles

• Avoid using lit candles
• If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down.
• Never leave the house with candles burning.
• Never put lit candles on a tree.

According to the NFPA, cooking was involved in an estimated 156,400 home structure fires that were reported to U.S. fire departments in 2010. These fires caused 420 deaths, 5,310 injuries and $993 million in direct property damage. Cooking caused 44% of reported home fires, 16% of home fire deaths, 40% of home fire injuries, and 15% of the direct property damage in 2010.

Safety Tips:

• Do not leave the kitchen while you are cooking.
• If you have to leave the kitchen, turn the stove off or take something like a spoon or oven mitt as reminder food is on the stove.
• Never cook if you are sleepy, intoxicated or heavily medicated.
• Turn all pot handles inward. Small children and animals can bump into them spilling hot substances and causing someone to be burned.
• Keep stovetops clean and clear. Keep all appliances free of grease buildup. Move items such as oven mitts away from heat sources.
• Keep children away from appliances when cooking. If older children are allowed to cook, teach them safe cooking practices and watch them carefully.
• Keep pets away from the stove.
• Wear short of tight fitting sleeves while cooking. Use caution when reaching over the stove for other items. Do not store flammable items above or behind the stove.
• Never stand in or near water while using an electrical appliance.
• Check regularly for frayed cords to appliances. Plug one appliance in an outlet at a time.
• Do not use defective appliances. Keep appliances properly maintained.
• Keep an ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher near the kitchen.
• Never put metallic materials in the microwave, sparks given off can result in a fire.
• Remember steam escaping from a pan or container can cause severe burns.

Heating equipment fires are the second leading causes of fire deaths in American homes, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). When purchasing new heating equipment, NFPA advises selecting equipment with the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Install and maintain heating equipment correctly, and be sure it complies with local fire and building codes. Correct installation, maintenance and fueling go a long way towards preventing heating fires.

Safety Tips:

• Do not leave portable or space heaters unattended.
• Regularly clean chimneys in fireplaces and woodstoves.
• Place things that can burn far away from space and portable heaters.
• Flaws in design, installation or use are a major risk to you and your family’s safety.
• Make sure liquid or gas heaters are fueled properly.

A working smoke alarm increases your chance of surviving a house fire by more than 50%.