What you can do to stay safe at home
Fire Safety
- Fit a smoke alarm and check it regularly
If there is no smoke alarm in your property, we suggest that you fit one straightaway. Remember to check your smoke alarm batteries once a week. You can do this by pressing the button and holding it until the alarm sounds. If your alarm starts to beep regularly then you should change the batteries immediately.
- Make a fire action plan
Many fire fatalities are caused because the house occupants became trapped, in one way or another, and were unable to escape from the smoke and fire. Make an escape plan for your home and make sure that everyone knows it. Keep your exits clear and keep door and window keys handy.
- Take care when cooking
Chip pans are notorious for causing house fires. Never, ever leave a chip pan unattended. Take extra care when cooking with any hot oil and consider using a thermostatically controlled deep fat fryer.
Cookers will stay hot for a while after use so keep tea towels, fabrics and paper away from the hob if it has been used recently.
Never use water directly to extinguish a chip pan that has set on fire. Turn the heat off if you can and soak a towel in water and place carefully over the top of the pan to extinguish the flames.
- Never leave lit candles unattended
- Ensure cigarettes are stubbed out properly and never smoke in bed
- Keep matches and lighters away from children
- Keep clothing away from heating appliances
In the event of a fire that you cannot control:
- Close the door to the room where the fire is located. This will help to contain the fire, and prevent the spread of poisonous smoke
- Warn the other people in the house and leave quickly
- Do not stop to collect anything. Remember your escape route can be cut off very quickly
- If your exit is cut off, close the door to your room and seal it with either a blanket or a rug to prevent the fire or the smoke spreading. Call for help from your window.
- When you have escaped, never return to your home for any reason and dial 999 for the fire service
Electrics
When you move into a property, locate the mains switch and find out how to turn off the electricity in an emergency. The mains switch is usually found in a cupboard along with the meter and fuse box/circuit breaker. If you have a fuse box, it is useful to keep a supply of fuse wire in case you need to replace it.
It is important to remember to take precautions and care when using electricity and electrical appliances in your home.
Electricity and water don’t mix!
- Don’t touch electrical items or sockets with wet hands. Always have equipment checked if it comes into contact with water, before using it
- Make sure that wires and cables have not become frayed or damaged and that there are no loose or bare wires
- Don’t allow children to play with electrical sockets or electrical appliances
Carbon Monoxide Safety Advice
- We service the gas heating systems in all of our properties on a regular basis and, therefore, the risk of carbon monoxide leaks is very low. However, it is worth taking the following safety precautions:
- Never block the vents on any appliance
- Never block any outside grill flues or air bricks
- Never use a gas appliance if you think it is not working properly. Signs include yellow or orange flames, soot or stains around the appliance and pilot lights that frequently blow out. If you think your gas appliance is not working properly, you should contact Customer Services immediately on 0845 604 1095
- If you have permission from us to install any gas appliance, always use a CORGI registered contractor (you will need to send us a copy of the Gas Safety Certification)
- Never use a rotary ceiling fan in a room with an open flue e.g. gas fire or back boiler.
Bogus callers
Unfortunately, we live in a world where criminals prey on vulnerable members of the community. Bogus callers come in all shapes and sizes and use a variety of tactics to gain entry to your home - they may even use children to lower your guard. It’s worth remembering that if you are in any doubt – keep them out!
Try following these simple rules:
- Before opening the door, check who is calling by looking out of your front window or use the spy-hole, if you have one
- Only open the door when you have the chain on
- Get a good look at the callers clothing, most official callers will be wearing a uniform with a logo on
- Utility services may operate on a password system - contact your local branch to find out more
- If you are in any doubt, ask the caller to come back later so that you can check whether they are with the organisation they represent
- Check any phone number they give you with your own telephone directory. Don’t rely on the number printed on their ID card as this may connect to a partner in crime
- Always lock the back door before opening the front door and vice versa. Bogus callers sometimes work in pairs, using on person to distract you at the front whilst the other gains entry through the back door
- Let the police and your neighbours know if you have a suspicious caller at your door
- Think before you open the door. Locks and chains are only a deterrent if they are used!
If you are concerned by someone who you think may be a bogus caller, dial 999 and ask for police.
How to beat the burglar
- Reduce the risk of burglary by following these simple precautions:
- Don’t tempt a thief. Keep high priced items, such as jewellery out of sight
- Never leave a garage or garden shed unlocked. Sheds and garages are often full of expensive items, such as tools or lawn mowers. Sometimes, garages attached to your home can provide a means for a burglar to break into the rest of your house
- Most burglaries happen when your home is empty. If you are going out for a short time, try leaving a light on in the bedroom or lounge. If you are going away on holiday, you could ask a trustworthy neighbour to open and close the curtains each day and switch a light on at night or you could install timers which switch lights on and off automatically. The intention is to create an impression that someone is at home, which is a significant deterrent
- Keep doors and windows locked when you go out or when you are not using that room. Easily visible locks may deter some thieves. Never leave spare keys in convenient places such as under doormats or in flower pots – a thief will look there first!
- Be a good neighbour - If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, call the police. Join a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme – there are now over 130,000 in this country. Anyone can start up a Watch – call your local police station for details.
