Be aware of alcohol levels

Oct 7 2008 by Jenny Wood, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

LOCALS are being told not to fuel fire with alcohol during a week to highlight the deadly cocktail of booze and blazes.

With Alcohol Awareness Week underway, firefighters are stressing to local residents the importance of staying out of harm’s way while under the influence of drink.

Stewart Edgar, of Tayside Fire and Rescue Service’s community safety department, said: “A common trend over recent years has resulted in the majority of fire deaths in Tayside being alcohol related.

“We are urging all the communities of Tayside not to fuel fire with alcohol,” he stressed.

The fire brigade’s top tips are if you have been drinking – leave the cooker off. Nearly two-thirds of domestic fires are the result of cooking and the risk increases dramatically if you have been drinking.

And they urge smokers who’ve had a tipple to make sure their cigarette has been stubbed right out. It is easy to fall asleep, or not notice, when a cigarette is still burning.

Alcohol Awareness Week runs until October 11, and is one of the initiatives under the Government's partnership agreement with the alcohol industry.

This week will see the Government, alcohol industry, health professionals, other public sector organisations and the voluntary sector all work together to provide information to the public and promote responsible consumption of alcohol.

One of the biggest boosts for the body is ensuring booze is kept in check. Sensible drinking guidelines advise men drink no more than three to four units per day, and woman two to three.

But a sobering surprise for many people is how many units are in their glass – there are more than two in the average pint of lager and a large wine can contain three.

Scottish Government advice is also that we all should aim for two alcohol free days a week. They urge: “Making small changes to the way you drink can make a big difference to the way you feel.”

Visit www.alcoholawarenessweek.com