Make farmhouses and cottages safe this winter

All those who live in Scotland’s countryside are being urged by NFU Scotland to take up the offer of a free home fire safety check this winter.

For those living in farmhouses or cottages, it can take fire fighters longer to reach rural properties than those in urban areas.

NFU Scotland is supporting the message from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service that those in rural areas should take extra precautions.  It recommends taking up the Service’s offer of a free Home Fire Safety visit.

Chairman of NFU Scotland’s Legal and Technical Committee, Jamie Smart, who farms near Linlithgow, said: “Every hour of every day there is a house fire in Scotland.  Farmhouses and homes in the countryside are as much at risk as properties in our towns and cities.

“However, for those who live in the countryside, it can take fire fighters considerably longer to reach properties in an emergency.  That is why a fire safety check now could be a lifesaver.

“The free safety checks are carried out by fire fighters and take only 20 minutes to complete – time well spent if it could help save the life of you and your family and safeguard your home. The fire fighters can give advice on hazards in the house that you may not realise are there, and fit smoke alarms free of charge.

“It is also worth reminding those members who rent out property that you have a responsibility under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 to ensure that the home has a satisfactory way of detecting fires and for giving warning in the event of a fire. These checks will help ensure your tenants are as safe as possible.”

Notes to Editors

• To book your free home fire safety for you, or for someone you know, contact Scotland Fire and Rescue on 0800 0731 999; Text ‘FIRE’ to 80800 or visit www.firescotland.gov.uk

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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006