With the start of the holiday season and the addition of fire hazards in homes, the St. John Parish Office of Fire Services encourages residents to take advantage of the free smoke detector program.

The effort comes through a partnership with the State Fire Marshal’s Office that provides new smoke alarm installation at no cost to the homeowner.

To request this service, contact the Office of Fire Services at 985-652-2222.

Once a request is made, the homeowner will be contacted to set up an appointment to install the new smoke alarm.

Those not needing installation are reminded to test and change the batteries in their smoke detectors to reduce the chance of injury or death from a house fire.

Smoke alarms should be no more than ten years old and incorporated with a home escape plan.