A fire safety campaign to raise awareness about the importance of smoke alarms in Shropshire homes has been declared a success.
Hundreds of A5 sized cards in the shape of a smoke alarm and bearing important fire prevention messages were given away to shoppers during a pre-Christmas campaign in Telford shopping centre.
Red Watch at Telford Central fire station initiated the campaign where a display was on show to the public.
"The message was to make sure you have a smoke alarm that works and stock up on batteries for new toys to ensure that you are not tempted to remove the smoke alarm battery. It could cost you your life," said Rabinder Dhami, Community Fire Safety team leader at the Shrewsbury fire HQ.
"People seem to have heeded the message this Christmas."
A hand held Playstation was won in a prize draw using the smoke alarm publicity cards by Amy Williams, of Castlefields, Shrewsbury, pictured receiving her prize from firefighters Graham Rowley (left) and John Robinson from Red Watch in Shrewsbury.
Telford and Shrewsbury firefighters have launched a proactive programme to educate the public about fire safety. They have made thousands of visits to homes in the area to carry out fire safety checks and fit smoke alarms inside people's properties.
The visits have resulted in house fires reducing by almost a quarter over the past five years. These home checks are now being rolled out into Shropshire's rural areas.
If you need fire safety advice call the county fire HQ on 01743 260 200 or visit their website www.shropshirefire.gov.uk
