This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Fire safety campaign
08/01/2002
'Excuses kill - get a smoke alarm' is the powerful message in a new poster advertising campaign launched today at Perth Fire Station.
The Scottish Executive funded posters will appear on buses throughout Scotland during January and February this year and will complement TV and radio advertising campaigns to be broadcast throughout January.
Deputy Justice Minister Richard Simpson said:
"There are far too many people losing their lives to fire in Scotland, especially at this time of year. We need to help the public recognise just how easily a fire can start and how a simple, properly-fitted, smoke alarm really can save lives.
"We are working closely in partnership with the Scottish Fire Service in order to create a safer Scotland. I hope that this campaign's message reaches everyone in Scotland so that we can prevent so many unnecessary deaths."
Scottish fire death statistics show that during 2000-01:
- 67 fires killed 69 people in their homes;
- 14 people were killed in homes without smoke alarms
- 11 people were killed in homes where the smoke alarm battery had been removed
- 36 per cent of fatal fires in the home were caused by misuse or careless disposal of smokers' materials (cigarettes, matches and lighters)
- 27 per cent of fatal fires were caused by cooking incidents along with radiated heat
- alcohol misuse was a direct contributory factor in 42 per cent of fire deaths
A fire safety education video was also launched in September. The video entitled 'Tomorrow may Be Too Late' is aimed at children but will also be shown in community centres.