The Homer Fire Department is encouraging residents who need smoke alarms in their homes to contact their local fire department or apply through the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal’s free smoke alarm program.
The department shared the reminder on October 9, emphasizing the importance of having working smoke alarms to help protect families and property from fire-related emergencies.
The announcement follows the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal’s October 8 introduction of Pelly-Can, a new fire and life safety mascot designed to promote fire prevention and public safety education throughout the state.
Pelly-Can, a pelican inspired by Louisiana’s official state bird, will serve as a recognizable symbol for the State Fire Marshal’s Community Risk Reduction programs. The mascot’s catchphrase, “Making Fire Safety Soar in Louisiana,” reflects the agency’s efforts to increase public awareness of fire safety.
While the mascot is designed to engage children and families, the initiative will address a wide range of safety topics, including smoke alarms, home fire escape planning, cooking safety, carbon monoxide awareness, generator safety, disaster preparedness and older adult safety.
“Pelly-Can gives us a fun and recognizable way to connect with Louisiana communities while delivering serious safety messages,” said State Fire Marshal Chief Chad P. Sonnier. “We want Pelly-Can to become a familiar symbol of fire and life safety across our state.”
The State Fire Marshal’s Office also plans to provide local fire departments with educational materials featuring Pelly-Can, including activity sheets, coloring pages, handouts and social media graphics.
DPS Principal Assistant Chief Bryan J. Adams said the mascot will help local fire departments communicate important safety information to their communities.
“Our local fire departments know their communities best, and Pelly-Can gives them another tool to help reach those communities with consistent, meaningful safety messages,” Adams said.
As part of the statewide fire prevention effort, residents are reminded that working smoke alarms provide an important early warning during a fire, allowing occupants additional time to escape.
The Homer Fire Department encourages homeowners who do not have working smoke alarms to take advantage of the state’s free smoke alarm installation program.
Residents interested in requesting smoke alarms can contact their local fire department or visit the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal’s website at www.lasfm.org to access the smoke alarm application.
For additional information about fire prevention and safety resources, residents may also contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at osfm.publicaffairs@la.gov.
