Nine steps to a safer home this Christmas

A campaign encouraging householders to minimise the risk of a fire this Christmas and throughout the year has been launched by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Latest figures show firefighters attended more than 450 accidental house fires in around one month last winter.

During the same period, accidental house fires claimed the lives of seven people, with 58 casualties. The incidents happened between December 7, 2020 and January 11, 2021.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Ali Perry is head of prevention and protection at SFRS. He said: ‘Fire is a risk for everyone, but some people are more at risk than others. If you know someone who is over 50 and smokes, and who has either mobility issues or uses medical oxygen or lives alone, please arrange a Home Fire Safety Visit on their behalf.

‘Reaching out to those who are vulnerable can help save lives in our communities.’

A free online self-assessment on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s website is available to everyone in Scotland to find out how safe their property is.

On completion, participants can download a unique report about their home, which gives advice on how to rectify risks and problems.

There are nine steps to a safer home – as participants are asked to consider their use of smoke detectors, cooking in the kitchen, smoking and candles, electrics and heating, emollient creams, medical oxygen, air pressure mattress, night-time routine and fire action plan.

DACO Perry said: ‘By walking through the nine steps you can massively reduce the risk of a fire in your house. Taking a few minutes to do the self-assessment and identify the hazards in your own home can help keep you and those around you safe.’

If you know of someone who needs a Home Fire Safety Visit get in touch by calling 0800 0731 999. Or text FIRE to 80800.