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COST OF LIVING CRISIS: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service urges people to Stay Fire Safe as rises in cost of living hit households





Fire chiefs have issued a warning as households try to cope with rising living costs.
Fire chiefs have issued a warning as households try to cope with rising living costs.

Fire chiefs have issued a warning amid concerns that rising living costs could put households at risk of accidental fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

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 people may look at alternative ways of heating and lighting their homes.

More on cost of living crisis

The SFRS is warning that changing behaviours could put households at risk of accidental fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

It has joined other fire and rescue services across the UK to back the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Stay Fire Safe campaign.

It 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 Alastair Perry, the SFRS head of prevention and protection, 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."

Mr Perry urged people to exercise caution and consider key steps to keep themselves and their families safe.

"We remind people not to use camping stoves or barbecues indoors, to use the correct fuels for woodburning stoves and open fires and if using candles, to use these safely, or use LED lights or torches," he said.

"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.

"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 used medical oxygen or lives alone, please arrange a Home Fire Safety Visit on their behalf."

Further advice can also be found at How to stay safe at home and people can also assess how safe their home is by completing a free online Home Fire Safety Checker.

Check any heating appliances are in good working order and not subject to a product recall at Office for Product Safety Standards.

Anyone who needs a home fire safety visit can call 0800 0731 999, or text FIRE to 80800.


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