30 Apr 2024
Tenants of Scotland’s largest housing association are being helped to ‘Stay Safe’ in their homes.
Wheatley Group has launched its campaign for 2024 to offer tenants advice on how to avoid fires in their homes.
Stay Safe, which has been running since 2017, has been shown to help tenants understand potential fire risks.
In the last year, the number of accidental dwelling fires in Wheatley properties fell by 18% - and 614 tenants signed up for a free safety visit, carried out by Wheatley Group’s Fire Safety Officers.
In addition, 1004 home fire safety visits were carried out by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Wheatley also delivered fire safety products such as air fryers, fire retardant bedding and metal bins to more than 400 customers.
Frank McCafferty, Group Director of Repairs and Assets, said: “The safety of our customers is always our top priority at Wheatley. This campaign brings together the best advice on how people can protect themselves from the risk of fire.
“Also, this year, we’ve updated the campaign to reflect new threats for our customers to be aware, for example, lithium batteries and how best to store them.”
Wheatley Group is Scotland’s leading housing, care and property-management organisation and includes four social landlords: Wheatley Homes Glasgow, Wheatley Homes East, Wheatley Homes South and Loretto Housing Association.
This year’s campaign will encourage all tenants to set up a home fire safety visit with Scottish Fire and Rescue. It will also concentrate on kitchen safety – where more fires start than anywhere else in the house.
Over the next year, the campaign will offer advice including keeping closes and landing areas clear, making sure smoke alarms are working property, switching off electrical appliances as well as chip pan advice, lithium battery safety and much more.
Wilma Murray, 72, of Glasgow, knows how important it is to stay safe in her home.
Wilma, who is now retired from her cleaning jobs, said: “There was a time when my kids were younger and I turned the chip pan on just before I left the house. I did it thinking I’d heat it up a bit, then turn it off before I went out but I forgot.
“When I came back the whole house was ruined with the smoke from the oil.”
Wilma has now had a free Home Fire Safety Visit – and is encouraging other tenants to take it up.
She added: “I think, especially as you get older, having someone come round to the house to speak to you face-to-face is a great thing.
“It’s important to remind people of how to stay safe in your home and prevent fires as well as letting them know what to do if it does happen.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is keen to reach those most at risk through their campaign. With operational intelligence showing those over 50 who smoke, and either have mobility issues, live alone or use medical oxygen, are more likely to be injured or killed by a fire in the home. For more guidance, visit Make the call campaign (firescotland.gov.uk)
Tenants can find more advice on the Group’s social media channels and websites.
Tenants can set up a home fire safety visit by calling 0800 479 7979 or by talking to their housing officer.
Pictured: Customers can request a free home fire safety check as part of the Stay Safe campaign.
