Hundreds of Illinois families receiving free smoke alarms during Fire Prevention Week

CHICAGO (CBS)-- This week is Fire Prevention Week. 

In honor of fire safety, hundreds of Illinois families will get new smoke alarms. The Department of Children and Family Services is distributing the alarms from now through October 15. 

Families can request a smoke alarm from their caseworker.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 60% of fire deaths happen in homes without a working smoke alarm.

The Red Cross is urging people to practice their escape plans in the event of a house fire.

The Red Cross said they've helped more than 150 people affected by 25 different fires across the Chicago area, in just the last week They're urging everyone to practice a "two-minute drill," which is how long people typically have to escape a house fire.

This includes planning different ways out of a house and having a spot outside where everyone knows to meet.