SAFETY IN THE HOME

Preventing Fires

If you have a smoke detector operated by a battery you should test it once a week. Make sure you renew the battery once a year or if it starts beeping.
Before going to bed at night or when you go out:
- make sure all fires are out or have a fire guard in front
- make sure you have put out all cigarettes
- close all doors.
Don't dry clothes over heaters.
When using a chip pan make sure it is not more than one third full of fat. Always watch it while cooking and when you have finished remove it from the heat.
Always use proper holders when candles are lit and don't leave them lit if no-one is in the room.

Keep rooms well ventilated:
- make sure vents are not obstructed or closed
- sweep chimneys at least once a year.
Buy officially approved appliances:
- marked with the British Standard Kite Mark
- use CORGI registered gas installers.
Check and service gas appliances regularly:
- we must, by law, carry out a gas safety check on all appliances once a year. You must allow us into your home to do this check
- we will service and repair all appliances we have installed.
We have installed carbon-monoxide sensors in every Council home designated for senior citizens which has solid fuel heating.

DON'T CAUSE AN EXPLOSION:
- DON'T use anything electrical eg door bells, switches or even your phone - including your mobile phone
- DON'T smoke or light a flame
- DON'T use your Intercom System.
Open doors and windows to get rid of the gas.
Check to see if the gas has been left on unlit or if a pilot light has gone out.
Turn off the gas at the meter.
CALL TRANSCO - 0800 111999 - from a phone outside your home.

Unplug any appliances that are not in use and use the correct fuses in the plugs.
Disconnect the electricity supply to any faulty switch or socket. Switch off the correct circuit trip at the consumer unit. Unplug any appliances. See HANDY HINTS in your Tenants' Repairs Book.
Don't touch bare wires. Turn off the electricity at the consumer unit. See HANDY HINTS in your Tenants' Repairs Book.
Don't touch anything electrical if it is wet. Turn off the electricity at the consumer unit and don't use it again until it is completely dry.
Don't overload sockets. When using adaptors, make sure that the total load is no more than 13 amps.
Do not run an electrical appliance from a light fitting.
Regularly check that flexes are not damaged and do not lay them under carpets or in very tight spaces.

Do not leave any cash around your home.
Mark valuable items with your postcode and house number, or keep a note of serial numbers.
When you go out in the evening, draw the curtains and leave a light on in a room (not just the hall).
When you go away fit a timer device to a living room lamp to make the house look as if someone is in. Inform the Police if you are going away for a long time and let us know your contact details
Arrange with a neighbour to keep an eye on each other's houses.
If you fit extra door locks, make sure that they can be opened easily from inside in case you need to get out in an emergency.
When you go out check that all windows and doors are closed.
Do not leave your keys or any money where a stranger might find them or see or reach them through the letter box.
Keep your shed locked - a thief might use tools to break into your home.

If you have a door viewer, check to see who it is before opening the door.
If you have a door chain, keep it on when you open the door.
If you don't know the caller, ask to see their identity card, and check it carefully. Do not be embarrassed to ask to see it. Genuine callers will not mind.
If you are unsure about the person, ask them to remain outside while you telephone the organisation they claim to represent to check who they are.
All Council staff and contactors working on behalf of the Council carry identity cards. Contact your Area Housing Office if you are unsure about anyone claiming to be from the Council.
Don't give in to anyone. It's your home.

Door entry systems are put in to control who comes into buildings with common entrances. To keep your building safe you need to:

make sure that the door always locks behind you
never leave the entrance door open or propped open
try not to allow non-residents to follow you into the block even if they appear genuine. They should press the button for the flat they are visiting
report any faults to us immediately.

When you move in you will receive, whenever possible, two keys or fobs to your main entrance. You will have to pay for any extra keys or fobs.