Crime & Safety

Community Takes Advantage of Fire District Battery Giveaway

To increase awareness of the importance of having working smoke detectors, the BCFPD gave away more than 60 free batteries at a recent neighborhood event.

Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District (BCFPD) officials gave away more than 60 smoke detector batteries during a Nov. 9 public information event that drew attention to how smoke detectors save lives, according to a press release.

Fire Chief/Administrator Jeff Swanson joined BCFPD President Tom Rowan and Secretary Paul Heinze at the Braymore Hills of Inverness subdivision to distribute the free batteries. Also present was Nick Asta, who will serve as a BCFPD captain in 2014.

"It was a great way to meet some of the residents we serve and share important fire safety information," said Swanson. "A special thank you goes to the residents of Braymore Hills of Inverness, for welcoming us and allowing us to spend some time in their neighborhood."

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Smoke detectors have been proven to reduce the risk of fire death by 50%. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly two-thirds of reported home fire deaths across the country occur in situations where there are no working smoke detectors, according to the district.

BCFPD officials recommend that residents test their homes’ smoke detectors once per month and change the batteries twice per year.

Find out what's happening in Barringtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

About the BCFPD

Established in 1940, the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District serves portions of Barrington Hills, South Barrington, Lake Barrington and Inverness; and portions of unincorporated Cook, Lake and McHenry Counties.

The board of trustees meets the third Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m., at the district’s Lake Barrington headquarters, 22222 N. Pepper Rd. For more information, visit www.bcfpd.org or call 224-848-4800. 


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