The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is urging people to stay fire safe as the weather turns colder and households look to keep warm and cut energy bills.
Due to a rise in the cost of living, it is anticipated that people may look at alternative ways of heating and lighting their homes. Scotland’s Fire and Rescue Service is warning that changing behaviours could put households at risk of accidental fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
To raise awareness to help to keep people safe, SFRS and other fire and rescue services across the UK are backing the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Stay Fire Safe campaign. This aims to provide advice regarding the hazards associated with, and guidance for the safe use of portable heaters, electric blankets, wood burning stoves and candles, as well as highlighting chimney safety - a potential fire risk if they have not been cleaned or properly maintained.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Alastair Perry, Head of Prevention and Protection for SFRS, said: “Fuel poverty and rises in the cost of living are a real concern as we anticipate seeing a change in behaviours at home as people try to cope with rising costs.
“We want to ensure that people are aware of potential dangers and keep themselves and their loved ones safe at home.
“People could inadvertently be putting themselves at risk from fire and the deadly effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.”
DACO Perry is asking people to exercise caution and consider key steps to keep themselves and their families safe.
He explained: “We remind people not to use camping stoves or barbecues indoors, to use the correct fuels for wood burning stoves and open fires and if using candles, to use these safely, or use LED lights or torches. Also, be aware of potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning if using old or unfamiliar heaters.
“We will be providing information as we continue to work with our partners and engage with our communities to help keep them safe from accidental fires.
A full guide to home safety is available on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website here.
Key tips for fire safety at home this winter
Using a portable heater
- Keep heaters away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes
- Unplug or switch off portable heaters when you go out or go to bed
- Secure portable heaters in position to avoid the risk of them being knocked over
- Only use gas or paraffin heaters in well-ventilated areas Heaters consume oxygen and in enclosed spaces can produce harmful gases and/or cause carbon monoxide poisoning
- Fit a Carbon Monoxide detector in all rooms containing gas or paraffin heaters
- Never use portable gas cylinder heaters in high rise flats
- Always change gas cylinders in the open air - never change gas cylinders in an enclosed space.
Using an electric blanket
- Never leave an electric blanket switched on when you’re in bed unless it’s marked ‘suitable for all night use’
- Ensure your electric blanket is tested and serviced in accordance with manufacturer’s guidance, in particular after the guarantee runs out - manufacturers often recommend testing blankets every 3 years
- Check the blanket, plug and flex regularly for damage including fraying fabric, scorch marks, exposed wires - if you’re in any doubt, don’t use it
- Store electric blankets safely - roll them, don’t fold them
DACO Perry added: “We also remind people of our Make the Call campaign and to look out for 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.”
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.
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