Safety tips and efficiency

Electrical safety

You should know how to turn off the mains electric supply in an emergency.  The switch is usually in the same place as the fuse box. The advice that follows may be helpful:

• Find out where you mains switch is before an emergency arises
• Do not overload plug sockets
• When not using electrical appliances switch them off and pull out the plug. This will also save energy
   

Do not run wiring under the carpet – the wire’s protective covering may be damaged and you won’t be able to see it.

Fire safety

By following simple guidelines you can reduce the chance of a fire starting in your home and help to keep everyone and your home safe:

• Fit smoke alarms in your home
• Test your smoke alarm every month
• Do not leave pans of hot oil unattended
• Do not use paraffin or oil heaters
• Keep all escape routes (such as passageways, corridors and hallways) clear
   

If a fire starts, you should follow the advice given by the Fire and Rescue Service:

• Alert everyone in the property if you are not alone
• Shut all doors; only open doors you need to on your way out and don’t look for valuables
• Get everyone out
• Crawl on the floor if there’s smoke; the air is cleaner near the floor, so if there is smoke put your nose as low as possible
• Call the Fire and Rescue Service on 999
• Don’t go back into your property
• Wait near the building
• When the Fire and Rescue Service arrives, give them as much information as possible about the fire and the building

Open fire places

In some circumstances, we allow open fireplaces and log burners, but you must apply for permission and have written approval from us before any works take place.

We advise you not to have an open fireplace as the risk to the building and the safety of the occupants is greatly increased. Risks can range from inadequate ventilation, deterioration of the flue, incorrect fuel being used, inadequate enclosures and the chimney not being cleaned or adequately maintained. These failures impact and increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire within your home.

Heating advice

You should keep your home adequately heated and ventilated to ensure that you do not cause condensation. Here are a few pointers to help reduce the risk of condensation and keep your home heated more efficiently:

• Ventilate – even in damp weather, properties need to ‘breathe’. Do not block ventilators. When cooking or bathing, open a window to allow moisture to escape.
• Keep your heating at a consistent temperature – it is better to keep your heating on a lower setting and allow the thermostat to control the heating. We would recommend that you set the thermostat between 18 and 21 degrees centigrade. The thermostat will then control the boiler which will need to work less as the property will be maintaining a constant temperature. A sudden change in temperature (such as when the heating has been switched off all day and is then turned on in the evening) means that the boiler has to work for longer periods and can also make condensation problems worse.
• Heavy curtains at the windows can help reduce heat loss. Pull them back completely during the day otherwise windows can get damp and cause mould
• Don’t dry clothes on radiators. If you need to dry clothes inside put them on a drying rack in the bathroom. Open a window and close the bathroom door.