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Smoke alarms saving lives
21/08/2012
Scottish Fire and Rescue Services installed 46,395 smoke alarms in the course of carrying out 56,545 Home Fire Safety Visits in 2011/12.
Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, Roseanna Cunningham, today welcomed the figures, which were published as part of Fire and Rescue Services Statistics Scotland 2011-12.
Ms Cunningham said:
"Scotland's Fire and Rescue Services do a fantastic job protecting the public, whether it is putting out fires or helping to prevent them from happening in the first place. Today’s figures demonstrate that our Fire and Rescue Services are taking the importance of fire prevention very seriously.
"I firmly believe it is an improving awareness of the risks of fire in our homes – which can be averted through simple measures such as installing a smoke alarm – that has seen a 29 per cent reduction in house fires since 2001-02. I thank everyone associated with our Fire and Rescue Services, and other partners, who have helped to spread this message through Home Fire Safety Visits and other community safety initiatives.
"But none of us can be complacent. Every house fire is one too many and that is why the Scottish Government and Fire Services continue to work hard educating people about fire prevention measures they can take.
"Working smoke alarms really do save lives. Once you have a smoke alarm, check it regularly to ensure it is in working order. Home Fire Safety Visits can also be arranged easily by texting FIRE to 61611 or through the Don’t Give Fire a Home website, which provides fire safety advice."
Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV) are a key prevention tool. They take around 20 minutes and are free. They are delivered by Fire and Rescue Service personnel who help people assess fire risks in their home, offer fire safety advice and where appropriate install a free smoke alarm(s).