News 5 SAFE AND SECURE:


Tenant Mary Stuart with Fire Officer Stephen Harkins


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 council can collect bulk


items such as beds, televisions, mattresses and fridges.


stay safe at home ake sure you stay safe is to have a home fire safety visit


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. It’s important to take care of your neighbours too.” He added: “If you hear a smoke alarm going off, don’t just ignore it. Chap the door, look through the letterbox if you can’t see smoke. “If you think there’s a fire in your


neighbour’s home, phone 999 and get to a place of safety. “If you have an older neighbour, ask


if they need help. Offer to test their smoke alarm – they might not be able to reach it. “That helps keep everyone safe.” A home fire safety visit takes no


more than half an hour It can be set up for that same day – or within a couple of days.


Phone 0800 0731 999, text ‘FIRE’ to 80800 or visit www.firescotland.gov.uk


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 council by phoning 0131 608 1100 in Edinburgh, 03451 55 00 22 in Fife and 01506 280000 for West Lothian.


Dunedin Canmore’s Director of Housing Alan Glasgow 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.”


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