Thousands sign-up for fire checks across Tayside

Feb 9 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

THOUSANDS of people across Perthshire and beyond have taken advantage of potentially life-saving advice from firefighters.

Recently-released figures detailing the success of Tayside Fire and Rescue’s home visits were discussed at a board meeting yesterday.

Under the scheme officers assess a resident’s home and offer advice on how they can safeguard it from fire.

Over 8300 people signed-up across Tayside between October and December last year after a previous meeting had agreed that a target of just under 7500 should be set for the period.

Perth and Kinross councillor Peter Mulheron told elected members his own Longforgan property had been checked out.

“I’m delighted to see that we are well above our targets,” said Cllr Mulheron.

“The organisation and professionalism of officers from Tayside Fire and Rescue makes the checks really worthwhile.

“I would recommend anyone who’s not had it done to do so.”

The brigade’s Perth, Auchterarder and Blairgowrie stations fell narrowly short of the projected ‘check targets’ for the population areas they cover, clocking up 375, 44 and 44 visits respectively.

No one in Comrie took part in the scheme over the three-month period, but board members failed to mention this at their meeting.