LANDLORDS are being urged to keep up to date with electrical safety checks as the festive period approaches.
The Council of Letting Agents (CLA) has teamed up with Fire Scotland and Electrical Safety First to warn agents to ensure checks have been made as Christmas trees and new electrical gadgets create an increased risk.
During 2012/13, 92 per cent of all accidental home fires (3,155 in total) were caused by electrical products.
Amanda Wieworka, CLA convenor, said: "Electrical safety in the home is always important, but at this time of year when tenants are busier and Christmas decorations and presents have been added into the mix, we urge that all tenants have made sure that their letting agents have carried out full electrical safety checks on properties.
"It is the responsibility of the CLA and its members to ensure that we get this message across in time for the holidays and I hope that this reminder allows us to do just that."
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lewis Ramsay, of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, added: "SFRS would encourage landlords to take electrical safety seriously - faulty or ill maintained appliances cost lives and taking simple measures now will protect your tenants, businesses and premises.
"There's lots of information available online about what you can do to keep Scotland safe from fire - visit www.firescotland.gov.uk."
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