How snacks can save addict parents from fire

CHILDREN living with drink and drug addicted parents are being advised to leave food out for them to cut the risk of fires in the home.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service is working with teachers to encourage 11- and 12-year-olds to leave snacks out for their parents to prevent them putting on a chip pan after a night out.

Figures show that around 65,000 children in Scotland live with parents struggling with addictions. As part of the fire-safety package, children are also told to remember where the house keys are in case they have to escape.

Unattended chip pans are the third most common cause of fires in the home.

However, Professor Neil Mc-Keganey, director for the Centre of Drug Misuse in Glasgow, said: "The number of children neglected by addict parents is one of our most vital social issues.

"Asking them to look after their parents to prevent them dying in house fires is too much responsibility to put on them."

A spokesman for Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said: "We work with social work and education authorities to make contact with disadvantaged families who are among the most vulnerable to fire in the home.

"It's unfortunate that children may be effectively caring for their parents but this is one more reason to pass on the fire safety message to youngsters."