| There were seven fatal fires between April 2005 and March 2006, with three a direct result of alcohol consumption. Tayside had the second highest alcohol-related fire deaths in Scotland, behind Strathclyde where there were 15.
All Scotland’s fire and rescue services joined forces to launch the new campaign, which includes a TV advert, to raise awareness of the direct link between alcohol misuse and accidental deaths.
The campaign is targeting males between 30 and 59, as statistics show they are at higher risk of having an alcohol-related fire in the home.
Stephen Hunter, Chief Fire Officer, Tayside Fire and Rescue said, “The likelihood of causing a fire is dramatically increased when under the influence of alcohol.
“The main causes are careless use of cookers and careless use of cigarettes. People under the influence regularly fall asleep in chairs or in bed after turning the cooker on. Smokers fall asleep dropping cigarettes on to their chair or bed.
“The three fire deaths are the worst case scenario. There are a large number of smaller fires caused by alcohol and a number of injuries caused by fires where alcohol has been contributory. “Tayside Fire and Rescue personnel can provide advice about the increased risk of causing fires whilst under the influence of alcohol and can carry out home fire safety risk assessments to ensure the dangers of fire are recognised and the chances of causing a fire are minimised.”
The new drive aims to shake complacency and drive home the message that just one act of carelessness after drinking could result in someone losing their home, their possessions and ultimately their life or the life of a family member.
The new advert depicts the potential consequences of these actions, in particular the risk it can place children under whilst they are asleep in the home.
Mr Hunter has been appointed chairperson of a new multi-agency group in Tayside, formed to raise public awareness of all negative effects of alcohol in society.
The fire service has joined with Tayside Police, NHS Tayside, the three drug and alcohol action teams in Perth, Dundee and Angus and the ambulance service to deal with all the effects alcohol has on society.
People are being urged to text FIRE to 61611 to request a free home safety check from their local fire and rescue service or log on to www.inforscotland.com/dontgivefireahome for advice and information on how to protect your home and your family from the risk of fire.
Anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s drinking should contact Alcohol Focus Scotland on 0141 572 6700 or log on to www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk for information, advice and details of the agency nearest to you. |
