Firefighters have been urging Lichfield shoppers to test their smoke alarms as part of their annual Push the Button campaign.
Visitors to the Argos store in the Three Spires Shopping Centre were given freebies and they were asked questions about fire safety.
Of the 60 people asked, 85 per cent said they had smoke alarms – but 70 per cent admitted they don’t test them regularly and weren’t sure if they worked.
Lichfield Risk Reduction Officer James Hettihewa-Young said: “The results from our survey with members of the public reflect our Push the Button campaign statistics – the majority of people have smoke alarms but they don’t test them.
“We were offering free Home Fire Risk Checks, in particular to those who stated they didn’t know if their smoke alarms worked or not because they don’t test them. Thirty-five people booked their free Home Fire Risk Check with us and a lot of people took away referral cards.
“Testing your smoke alarms is essential because if they don’t work they’re useless and if you do have a fire, you won’t get the potentially life-saving early warning.”
Shoppers were also asked if they had a home escape plan, but half of those asked said they didn’t and admitted they wouldn’t know what to do in the event of a fire.
James added: “During a free Home Fire Risk Check we ask people what their escape plan is and talk them through the best options for them.
“The Home Fire Risk Check also gives people to opportunity to ask us any questions and we can address any concerns they may have about fire safety in the home.”
To book a free Home Fire Risk call 0800 0241 999 or book online.
