Fire Prevention Week runs October 4–10 this year—a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) tradition that dates back over a century and specifically commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It's also a great, low-effort nudge to run through a few basics before the autumn heating season kicks in.
Here are five quick fire safety checks worth making in your Chicago apartment this month.
1. Test Your Smoke Alarms
Press and hold the test button on every smoke alarm in your apartment until you hear the alert tone. If an alarm doesn't sound, is missing entirely, or is chirping due to a low battery, don't wait. Avoid removing the battery and forgetting about it—instead, submit a maintenance request through our resident portal immediately so our team can service it.
2. Know Your Two Ways Out
A classic fire prevention message is simple: know two ways out of your home, and ensure everyone in your household does too. In many Chicago walk-ups and vintage buildings, this means identifying where your building's exterior fire escape or secondary stairwell is located—not just the main door you use every day. Take five minutes this week to physically walk your secondary evacuation route.
3. Locate Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Because many Chicago apartments rely on gas heat, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are just as critical as smoke alarms. Under the Chicago Municipal Code, working CO detectors are required near sleeping areas in units with fossil-fuel burning appliances. If you aren't sure where yours is located or if it is functioning, contact our leasing team before you start running your heat regularly.
4. Understand Landlord vs. Tenant Responsibilities
According to the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), landlords are responsible for installing working, code-compliant smoke and carbon monoxide detectors prior to occupancy. As a renter, your responsibility is to test them regularly, maintain them during your tenancy, and promptly notify management if a device needs attention or replacement.
5. Use Space Heaters and Candles Safely
As temperatures drop across the city, space heaters and candles make their seasonal comeback. Always keep space heaters on hard, flat surfaces at least three feet away from curtains and furniture. Never leave them running unattended or while you sleep, and fully extinguish candles before leaving any room. Small, proactive habits make the biggest difference in apartment fire prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Fire Prevention Week in 2026?
Fire Prevention Week runs from October 4–10, 2026. It is observed annually during the Sunday-through-Saturday week, in which October 9 falls.
Why is Fire Prevention Week held the week of October 9?
The week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire, which burned from October 8–10, 1871. The National Fire Protection Association has officially sponsored this national public health observance since 1922.
Who is responsible for smoke detectors in a Chicago apartment?
Under Chicago city ordinances, landlords are responsible for installing certified smoke detectors, while tenants are responsible for testing them monthly and replacing batteries as needed, or notifying management if a device malfunctions.
Do Chicago apartments require carbon monoxide detectors?
Yes. Chicago law mandates that apartments with fuel-burning appliances (like gas furnaces or stoves) or those located near attached garages must have operational carbon monoxide detectors installed within 15 feet of all sleeping areas.
What should I do if my smoke detector keeps chirping?
If your smoke detector is chirping intermittently, it usually indicates a low battery or a device's life cycle. Do not remove the battery permanently. Submit a maintenance request right away, so a technician can safely replace the battery or swap out the unit.
A quick round of testing is a small trade for peace of mind all winter long. If anything in your home needs attention before the cold weather sets in, please log into your resident portal to submit a maintenance request or reach out directly to our Highpoint Living leasing office—we are always glad to help!