Fire safety campaign
31 December 2007 > Return to 2007 index
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Firefighter Ed Sullivan from Red Watch at Telford Central Fire Station presents Amy Edwards (11) from St Georges with her PSP and games prize
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A New Year fire safety message has been issued by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service – and it's to ensure you have a working smoke alarm fitted into your home.
Firefighters have been giving out important fire safety advice to adults and children at shopping centres in Telford and Shrewsbury in a bid to prevent fires over the holiday.
Competitions were held to test their knowledge on fire safety – with many passing with flying colours. Amy Edwards (11), of St Georges, Telford, won a Playstation and five games for her winning competition entry with Emily Smith (10), of Lawley, winning a voucher for Toys R Us.
"Most fires in the home are preventable and with a few simple precautions you can protect your family," said Tamara Hackett, of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service's Community Fire Safety team.
"We cannot stress enough the importance of having working smoke alarms - at least one on each floor of your house, in the hall and landing. It is also essential that everyone knows what to do in case of fire and how to escape from the house quickly."
A billboard showing a burning tree – which engulfed sitting room furniture in just 20 seconds – has been on display at the busy Wellington Retail Park in December urging householders to ensure they have a smoke alarm.
Fires started by cooking left unattended are still the number one cause of fires in the home followed closely by faulty or overloaded electrical equipment. It is also very important to ensure cigarettes and candles are kept away from other combustible items and are fully extinguished before leaving the house or going to bed.
