Eric Smith Village President at Village Of Buffalo Grove | Village Of Buffalo Grove
Eric Smith Village President at Village Of Buffalo Grove | Village Of Buffalo Grove
The Buffalo Grove Fire Department has completed its first installation of a “bed shaker” smoke alarm system, a device aimed at alerting people who are deaf or hard of hearing during a fire emergency. This marks the first time such technology has been installed in Buffalo Grove and is among the earliest installations in Illinois.
The project was carried out through the Camp I Am Me/Illinois Fire Safety Alliance’s “Be Alarmed!” smoke alarm program. This initiative provides free smoke alarms and specialized devices to residents across the state. The initial recipient in Buffalo Grove is a four-year-old child who is deaf and cannot wear hearing aids while sleeping.
“This is an incredible example of how community engagement can make a real difference,” said Buffalo Grove Fire Chief Larry Kane. “Through our annual Public Safety Open House, one of our residents learned about this program and reached out. Our team was able to connect her with the right resources and complete the installation, all at no cost to the family. This is truly Smart. With heart. in action.”
The bed shaker alarm works by detecting signals from a smoke detector, then activating both a strobe light and a vibrating puck placed under the mattress to alert individuals who may not hear traditional alarms while asleep.
Several members of the department participated in the installation, including Public Educator/Fire Inspector Peter Gripper, Engine 26 (Acting Lieutenant Scott Wood and Firefighter/Paramedics Piotr Kujawowicz and Patrick Murray), Deputy Fire Chief Shawn Collins, Deputy Fire Marshal Bill Simmons, and Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan McCarthy.
Chief Kane noted that efforts like this help fulfill the department’s mission to keep all residents safe: “Safety should never depend on circumstance,” he added. “This first-of-its-kind installation in Buffalo Grove demonstrates how innovation and compassion come together to protect all members of our community.”
Information about the “Be Alarmed!” program and other safety initiatives can be found at https://ifsa.org/prevention-resources/smoke-alarm/.
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