'Act Safe - Keep Safe' that's what Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service want you to do when it comes to fire safety…

Fitting a smoke detector is a simple and cost effective way of making yourself and your family safer by giving vital warning in the event of fire. Having a free home fire safety check which may prevent a fire from starting in the first place is even better.

Too much alcohol can seriously impair you reactions in the event of fire and reduce your chances of escaping safely.

The three Cs, Cooking, Cigarettes and Candles, have been identified as the most common sources of ignition in house fires in Scotland.  This campaign seeks to encourage people make sure that candles are out, ash trays safely cleared and the cooker switched off before they go to bed.

CALL 0800 012 1465 FOR YOUR FREE FIRE SAFETY CHECK

Cooking

Take care in the kitchen, when overheated, fat and oil can catch fire spontaneously.

• Never leave a chip pan unattended.
• Never fill a chip pan more than one-third full of fat.
• If you have a fat fire, turn off the heat if it is safe to do so, GET OUT, STAY OUT AND CALL US OUT.

NEVER THROW WATER ONTO BURNING FAT OR OIL.

Cigarettes

• Put it out, right out – make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished.
• Take extra care when you're tired, taking drugs or have been drinking alcohol. It’s very easy to fall asleep without realising that your cigarette is still burning.
• Never smoke in bed - if you need to lie down, don’t light up. You could doze off and set your bed on fire.
• Never leave lit cigarettes cigars or pipes unattended - they can easily overbalance as they burn down, land on a carpet or newspaper and start a fire.
• Where possible buy child-resistant lighters and matchboxes - every year children die by starting fires with matches and lighters.
• Use a proper, heavy ashtray that can’t tip over easily and is made of a material that won’t burn.
• Tap your ash into an ashtray – never a wastebasket – and don't let the ash or cigarette ends build up in the ashtray.

Candles

Great care should be taken when using candles, so follow this simple fire safety advice:-

• Always place candles well away from curtains, furniture and drapes and always out of draughts.
• Keep candles away from hair and clothing.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
• Always place candles upright in suitable holders, which cannot fall over easily.
• Always make sure that candles are properly extinguished, especially before going to bed.