A Louisiana family is sharing a close call with a house fire as daylight saving time approaches, hoping their experience reminds others to check their smoke alarms. Officials say the incident highlights how working alarms can make the difference between life and death during a fire.
Thibodaux Family Says Smoke Alarm Saved Their Lives
A Thibodaux family narrowly escaped a dangerous house fire on February 8, 2026, thanks to a working smoke alarm.
According to officials, Otice Johnson was cleaning his home around 6 a.m. when the alarm first sounded.
After checking the house to find the source of the alert, Johnson discovered flames inside the sunroom of the home.
He was able to quickly put out the fire.
Second Alarm Alerted Family to Growing Danger
A short time later, the smoke alarm went off again.
When Johnson returned to the sunroom, he noticed smoke coming from the ceiling, indicating the fire was spreading.
Realizing the danger, he immediately woke his wife Janice and stepson Christopher.
The family was able to safely evacuate the house before the situation became worse.
Johnson later said the smoke alarm likely saved their lives.
“I’m a firm believer in smoke alarms,” Johnson said. “That smoke alarm saved my family’s life. If we weren’t aware of the fire, we could have died.”
Officials Urge Residents to Check Smoke Alarms
Fire safety officials say the family’s experience shows why smoke alarms are essential in every home.
According to Chief Bryan J. Adams, Principal Assistant for the Louisiana Department of Public Safety, many residential fire deaths occur in homes without working alarms.
Officials reported that 85 people in Louisiana died in residential fires last year, and only two of those homes had working smoke alarms.
Adams said authorities prefer to highlight survival stories like this rather than tragedies.
Daylight Saving Time Reminder for Fire Safety
With daylight saving time beginning Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m., fire officials are encouraging residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they change their clocks.
Safety experts recommend:
- Testing smoke alarms every month
- Replacing alarms that are more than 10 years old
- Installing alarms in every bedroom and outside sleeping areas
- Checking carbon monoxide detectors at the same time
Many newer alarms now come with sealed 10-year batteries, meaning they do not require battery replacements during their lifespan.
Practice a Home Fire Escape Plan
Officials also encourage families to create and practice a fire escape plan.
Experts recommend:
- Identifying two ways out of every room
- Practicing the escape plan with everyone in the household
- Choosing a safe outdoor meeting place
These steps can help families respond quickly if a fire occurs.
Free Smoke Alarm Program Available
For families who do not have smoke alarms or cannot afford them, help may be available.
The State Fire Marshal’s Operation Save-A-Life program works with local fire departments to provide and install smoke alarms free of charge.
Residents can learn more or request assistance by visiting lasfm.org or contacting their local fire department.
Fire Safety Overview
| Safety Tip | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Smoke Alarm Testing | Test alarms monthly |
| Alarm Replacement | Replace units older than 10 years |
| Battery Type | Consider alarms with sealed 10-year batteries |
| Escape Planning | Identify two exits from each room |
| Meeting Spot | Choose a safe outdoor location |
