Douglas Alexander MP

Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South

Douglas Thanks Emergency Staff - Keep Safe This Festive Season

Christmas KEEP SAFE -  a big thank you to our Emergency services.

Visiting Paisley Fire Station and the local Ambulance Station, Douglas said “All of us in Renfrewshire rely on the emergency services – The Ambulance, Police and Fire Services working over the Christmas period.

"The crews here in Renfrewshire do an excellent job. As the services head into their busiest time of the year, I am sure I echo the thoughts of the whole community – when I thank the fire brigade for their tireless and difficult work, and applaud their efforts to remind folk to take some care over the Festive period.”

“Alarming statistics indicate that, during the Christmas period, risks of accidental house fires soar higher than at any other time of the year. I join the Fire service in asking people to think about the simple things that could pose danger – particularly when too much alcoholic celebration can mean falling asleep before Christmas lights are switched off, cigarettes are put out properly, and candles are blown out.”

Area Commander of Renfrewshire, John Ironside said:

“Last year Strathclyde Fire & Rescue attended 250 house fires over the Christmas and New Year holiday period
 Where 6 people died and 68 people were injured. Two of those fatal house fires occurred in Renfrewshire.
There is a common theme to many fire fatalities at this time of the year – alcohol.  Whether it’s someone falling asleep with a lit cigarette after a few drinks, or cooking food after a night out, the consequences can be deadly.”

Mr Ironside added:

“There are simple steps that any householder can take to reduce the risk of fire.  Take care to put cigarettes out properly, and don’t cook if you are under the influence of alcohol.  But the most fundamental step that anyone can take is to make sure you have a working smoke alarm in your home.

If fire does break out it could be your only chance of waking up.  It is our vision that every home has at least one working smoke alarm.  Strathclyde Fire & Rescue will supply and fit a long life smoke alarm free of charge as part of the Home Fire Safety Visit process.

I’d urge anyone who does not have a working smoke alarm to call us on 0800 0731 999.  Our call centre is open 24 hours a day, and we will arrange to fit a smoke alarm, and offer home safety advice, at a time that suits you.”

 
Also visiting the Ambulance Service Douglas added,

 “I wanted also to take the chance to drop into the local Ambulance Service HQ and thank crews personally for all their hard work. When many of us will be enjoying a rest  with family and friends these dedicated public servants will be working hard to keep us all safe.