Keeping your home safe and secure
We take your health and safety very seriously and
work hard to make sure that your home and any areas you share with
other residents are safe. These pages explain what you can
expect from us as a landlord and what we do to ensure your
well-being.
There are also many things that you and your
family can do to stay safe. Tips and advice are also provided on
ways in which you can take action to reduce hazards in your
home.
Gas safety
If you smell gas or fumes you should always:
- Open all doors and windows
- Turn the gas off at the meter
- Put out cigarettes and any naked flame
- Don’t use electrical switches
- Call the National Gas Emergency Service on
0800 111 999
We carry out a gas safety check & service every 12 months to
make sure everything is working properly and to keep the running
costs as low as possible.
Further gas safety advice.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas which you can’t see, taste or
smell, but it can kill quickly and with no warning. Find out what
the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are and what you can
do to minimise the risks.
Further carbon monoxide safety advice.
Fire safety
To help you stay safe from fire in your home, we've put together
some important tips and advice to help you reduce the risk of fire.
You can also book a free home fire safety check with your local
fire safety service.
Further fire safety advice.
Asbestos in your home
Many houses and flats are built with
materials which contain asbestos. Asbestos in good condition is not
a problem, but if it gets damaged it can release tiny fibres into
the air. These fibres can cause serious lung disease if they are
breathed in. For this reason, you should not drill, saw, cut, sand
or scrape materials which may contain asbestos. If you plan to do
some work, or think you may have asbestos in poor condition, you
should let us know so that we can give you advice, and arrange for
any tests to be carried out.
Further asbestos safety advice.
Water Safety
- Make sure you know where to turn off your
water. Should you have a leak, turning off the water will
minimise the damage.
- Lag any exposed external water pipes, e.g.
garden water supplies, to prevent the pipes from
freezing.
- If there is a leak from upstairs and the
ceiling is bulging get a bucket and make a small hole in the
bulge to let the water out. This will help stop the ceiling
from falling down.
Electrical Safety
We will check electrical installations before
you move in and carry out further checks at regular intervals. To
keep safe:
- Use a qualified electrician to repair
electrical appliancies.
- Do not tamper with the fuse or circuit
boards. If your electrics keep tripping out, contact the
repair service on 0117 938 2700.
- Use the correct fuse for each appliance.
- Do not overload sockets.
- If the flex has frayed, get it replaced or
replace the whole item.
- Keep electrical items away from water.
- Switch off appliances at the socket and
unplug TVs etc. at night.
- Use a circuit breaker with power tools and
lawn mowers etc.
- Check electric blankets for signs of wear. If
they are worn, do not use them and get them checked by an
electrician.
Further electrical safety information.
Home Security
To help prevent your home being broken
into:
- Don’t leave doors and windows open if you go
out.
- Ask to see the identity card of callers. All
our employees and contractors carry these cards as do workers
from other companies, e.g. gas, water, electrical. Genuine callers
will not mind if you ask to see their card. If in doubt don’t let
them in and contact the police.
- Do not give your personal information or bank
details to strangers who contact you in person, on the phone
or by email.
- If you have bought expensive new items such
as a computer, do not leave the packaging in the street
for burglars to see. Bag it for collection or take it to
your local recycling centre.
- Destroy bank statements and card receipts
etc. before throwing them away.
- Keep ladders out of sight and secured to
fixed object if possible.
Going away?
- Remember to cancel milk and newspapers.
- Make sure doors and windows are securely
locked.
- Use time switches to turn lights on and off.
This gives the impression someone is in.
- Unplug electrical appliances wherever you
can.
- Leave an emergency number and a key with a
neighbour or friend so they can go round now and then to check
everything is OK.
Gritting and snow clearance
Please take extra care if you have to go out in icy or
snowy conditions this winter. Although we may not be able to grit
around your home, we will be prioritising our most vulnerable
residents living in sheltered housing.
Further gritting and snow clearance
information.
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