4 News FIREFIGHTER’S ADVICE TO ALL GHA TENANTS - THE BEST WAY TO MAKE


Keep communal areas of your building clear


KEEP you and your neighbours safe by keeping common areas of your building clear. Leaving prams or other household


items in closes, foyers or stairwells can put you – and everyone else – at risk of fire. An unwanted mattress or chair can encourage deliberate fire-setting. They can also block people’s


escape routes if there is a fire. Make sure you keep communal


areas clear If you have a couch or a mattress


you no longer need, don’t dump it on the landing, the back court or on the street.


The city council can collect bulk


items such as beds, televisions, mattresses and fridges.


Helping tenants st S


TAY safe at home – especially when it comes to fire. A free home fire safety visit will


If you live in a flat, your housing officer will tell you what day bulk uplift is and where to leave items to be picked up. Make sure you leave items at the


agreed collection point. If you live in a house you can book an uplift from the city council by phoning 287 9700. GHA’s environmental boss Alex


Adrain said: “Keeping closes, landings and foyers clear is vital for keeping everyone free of fire risk. “They can easily be set alight – and


can block people’s exit if the worst happens and there is a fire. “It helps keep our communities clean and – most importantly of all – safe.” Remember, if you have decent quality furniture you want rid of, why not donate it to Home Comforts? That way GHA can help other


tenants set up home with free furniture.


theKEY - www.gha.org.uk


make sure you stay safe. A fire officer will visit you and give you the best advice on protecting yourself and your home.


It’s quick, easy to set up and will give


you the advice and reassurance you need. Tenant Catherine Thurston, from Dumbreck, had a home fire safety visit earlier this year. She’s urging as many tenants as possible to set one up. Catherine said: “I’m very happy I got the


visit.


“I used to work as a nurse and I’ve seen the effect of serious fires. “It made me more aware of the risk of


fire and how to avoid it. “The advice – don’t overload plugs, check you have a plan of escape, keep your keys near the front door, close your doors at night – was excellent. “I felt very reassured and definitely feel


safer.


“Get the visit done and stay safe.” Watch Manager Stephen Harkins, of Scottish Fire and Rescue, says they carry out around 100 fire safety visits every


month to GHA homes – and he wants to do even more. Stephen said: “A home fire safety visit gives tenants the chance to speak face-to-face to a fire officer and ask questions. That’s better than seeing an advert or reading a leaflet. “You can discuss fire safety and get the best advice on preventing fire and what to do if there is a fire. “It makes people more aware – and it’s more reassuring. “Having a working smoke alarm is the most important thing. It’s also vital to check it at least once a week.” Stephen said: “It’s important to take care of your neighbours too.”


SAFE AND SECURE: Catherine Thurston with fire fighter Stephen Harkins


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