Perth and Kinross Council is to take action following a blaze in Blairgowrie last week.
Special tape is to be used to shame flat-dwellers into removing fire hazards from communal stairwells. Any items stored in common closes across Perth and Kinross will be marked with the fire hazard tape.
The scheme has already been used in other areas to good effect after being launched in January. The move comes after a cluttered stairwell hampered firefighters during the fire in Blairgowrie.
Seven people had to be rescued by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service after a blaze broke out in a common close at Coralbank Crescent.
Firefighters from Blairgowrie and Alyth spent more than an hour tackling the flames but their efforts to evacuate residents were impeded by items that were being stored in the communal area of the block, including a washing machine, rubbish bags and several bikes.
A discarded cigarette is thought to be to blame for starting the fire in the rubbish bags.
The council has now appealed to all their tenants, as well as those living in private accommodation, to ensure that communal areas are kept clear to allow free access in case of an emergency.
Members of the council’s area housing teams and safer communities wardens have been issued with the brightly-coloured tape.
The council’s housing and health convener, Dave Doogan, said: “The tape is designed to fit around items left in closes and advises the residents who abandoned them to dispose of them properly.
“Importantly, the tape also reminds people of the very real fire dangers caused by these items. Our safer communities wardens have already found that, by simply alerting residents to the fire risks of these obstructions, this prompts the removal of the offending items.
“When council tenants fail to remove items that have been identified as a fire risk, further action will be taken consistent with the seriousness of this issue.
“The overall message to all residents is do not leave household items in communal blocks or residential areas.
“If you have an unwanted sofa or washing machine you can arrange special uplifts for bulky items by calling the council on 01738 476476. Alternatively, you can dispose of them at your local recycling centre.”