The aim of this section is to draw your attention to simple, but effective measures you can take to prevent accidents and make your home a safe and secure place to live.
Gas Safety
If you smell gas…
- Turn the gas supply off at the meter
- Open the windows and doors to get rid of the gas
- Phone National Grid (formally Transco) immediately free on 0800 111 999
- Do not smoke or use matches or cigarette lighters
- Do not turn lights or electrical switches on or off
- Do not try to solve the problem yourself
Installation of gas appliances
You must always use a CORGI (council of registered gas installers) registered gas engineer when installing any gas appliance. To check if any gas engineer is registered, ring CORGI on 01256 372300. You need our written permission to fit any gas appliance, except gas cookers.
Servicing of Gas Heating Equipment
By law we must service and check the safety of all gas heating appliances every year. When you are notified that a gas safety check is due to be carried out, you must provide us with reasonable access to your home. This is vital to your safety. If we are unable to gain access to your home after reasonable attempts, we may seek court action to arrange access to your home. Once we have completed the safety check we will give you a safety certificate.
Portable Heaters
You must not use oil, paraffin or gas cylinder heaters in your home.
Ceiling fans
It can be extremely dangerous to use ceiling fans at the same time as gas fires or gas boilers. Air disturbance from the fan can cause toxic fumes to be released from the heating appliance and enter the room instead of being drawn up by the flue.
Electrical Safety
For your safety...
- Do not remove, install or repair any electrical fixtures and fittings unless you are using a qualified electrician. You must get our permission first.
- Make sure your electrical appliance contains the correct fuses. The manufacturer will be able to advise you.
- Check flexes and plugs regularly to make sure there are no loose or bare wires.
- Do not overload electrical sockets
- Do not touch wet fittings or exposed wires
- Make sure you know how to turn off the supply at the mains
Water Supply
Make sure you know where the stopcock is to turn off the main water supply in case of a leak – it is usually under the sink (see page). It is important that you check your stopcock is working properly on a regular basis – always turn it slowly. We recommend that you turn off your water supply at the stopcock if you go away on holiday. Never paint over a stopcock as it becomes extremely difficult to turn on and off.
Fire Safety
To prevent starting a fire...
- Make sure all fires are guarded
- Do not smoke in bed
- Never leave cigarettes unattended
- Never leave matches or lighters around if you have children
- Do not leave chip pans unattended. If a chip pan catches fire, turn off the heat and cover with a damp cloth
Smoke Alarms
If your home is not already fitted with a smoke alarm let us know. We install them free of charge.
Extractor Fans
If your home is fitted with extractor fans in the kitchen and/or bathroom, it is your responsibility to clean them out every few months. A build up of dirt and dust can cause them to set on fire.
If a fire starts – get out, stay out and call the fire brigade by dialling 999
Security
Most burglaries happen during the daytime when people are out and the house looks empty. Potential burglars look for signs that tell them that you are out and there is something worth stealing. You can take some simple, but effective, measures to prevent your home being an easy target for burglars.
- Leave a light on at night when you go out and draw the curtains so it looks like someone is still at home
- Do not leave windows and doors unlocked or leave keys in doors even when you are at home
- Do not leave valuables clearly visible through windows. Consider putting up net curtains so thieves cannot see what you have got to steal.
- If you have a door chain, peephole or entry phone, make sure you use it when answering the door.
- Ask unknown callers for identification and check it carefully
- If you are going away, cancel milk and newspapers etc and ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your home whilst your away.
- Do not leave empty boxes outside your home that advertise you have just bought an expensive piece of equipment.
- If you live in a block of flats, do not let people into the block unless you know them.
Crime reduction officers
Derbyshire police constabulary has a team of crime reduction officers who cover the whole of the High Peak. They offer free advice on how to improve the security of your home and prevent crime. They can also give details on Neighbourhood Watch schemes in your area.
Contact them on 0845 123 3333
Alternatively, you can contact the Police Crime Prevention Design Officer based at the Municipal Buildings, Glossop on 01457 851605.
Home contents insurance
The structure of your home is insured against fire and other damage. However, we are not responsible for the contents of your home (e.g. furniture, carpets, personal belongings etc). For this reason, we strongly advise you that you take out Household Insurance to insure your personal possessions against fire, flood, theft, burst pipes and vandalism.
We recommend a competitively priced Home Contents Insurance Scheme for tenants that you can apply to join. Details of the scheme and an application form are included in your new tenants pack. You can get further information from your Neighbourhood Co-ordinator.
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