CITY centre firefighters are tackling the problem of slips, trips and falls head-on this winter in a bid to reduce the strain on the emergency services.

Watch manager Kenneth Reed at Cowcaddens Fire Station is urging the public to take up a free fire safety visit which will allow firefighters to also assess any dangers in the home which could cause a potential fall.

He said: “We already offer home fire safety visits where we go out to homes and fit smoke alarms.

“During that visit we also offer fire safety advice.”

He added: “One of our strategic aims, however, is to reduce the number of accidents we have in the home because of the demand it has in our ambulance service, hospitals, social work and fire service.

“So we are encouraging people to take up a free fire safety visit and we can assess any danger areas.”

The danger of a slip, trip or fall can increase during the festive period because of the weather and the fact our homes are more cluttered.

Watch manager Reed explained: “People tend to have more things out and their homes are more cluttered.

“Presents, Christmas trees, cables - they can trip over all these things so there are more hazards within the homes over the festive period.

“Accidents tend to increase because of all these factors.

“As we are already out there fitting smoke alarms, it would be good to say to someone see that piece of furniture or that rug you have, there is a good chance of falling over and banging your head or hurting your leg.

“Giving them a risk assessment could reduce slips, trips and falls.”

The free fire safety visit can be arranged through your local station and is open to everyone free of charge.

Watch manager Reed said: “Everyone can get a home safety visit. It is totally free.

“If you require a smoke alarm, we can fit that also.

“We go round the house with the homeowner and carry out a risk assessment.

“We also discuss a fire action plan so you know how to evacuate the house.

“We highlight the risks, we try to make your home safe and we fit alarms to alert you to a fire.”

For more information, visit http://www.firescotland.gov.uk/