By law (the Gas Safety (Installations and Use) Regulations 1998), we must carry out annual safety checks on gas appliances and pipework owned by us, even if the supply has been capped at the meter or boiler.

This free safety check is to ensure any gas equipment is installed correctly and working safely and efficiently. If your gas appliances are not serviced each year, you and your family members could be exposed to the potential risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or a gas explosion.

We cannot service any appliances owned by you, so we strongly advise you to have them checked each year by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

We will send you details of your appointment by letter and the check will take no more than an hour. We will keep mess and disruption to a minimum, but you must make sure that there is enough gas and electricity available (if you have a pre-paid meter).

If you do not give the engineers access to your home, you will be in a serious breach of your tenancy conditions. We will have no choice but to take legal action to gain entry and you will be charged for legal costs. You can also be fined up to £1000.

We will check the smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm fitted in your home when we carry out the annual gas inspection but you should test your alarms on a regular basis and report if it is not working properly.

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer! It's a colourless, odourless, tasteless and poisonous gas which means you won't know it's there, until it's too late. It is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal, and usually by appliances which haven't been properly installed, maintained or poorly ventilated.

If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds:

• Stop using all appliances, switch them off, and open doors and windows to ventilate the property.
• Evacuate the property immediately - stay calm and avoid raising your heart rate.
• Call the gas emergency number on 0800 111 999 to report the incident.
• Do not go back into the property - wait for advice from the emergency services.
• Seek immediate medical help - you may not realise you have been affected by the carbon monoxide, and going outside into fresh air will not treat any exposure by itself.

Six signs of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Headaches.
• Dizziness.
• Breathlessness.
• Nausea.
• Collapse and loss of consciousness.

Seek medical advice from your GP if you think you have been exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide.

Go to your local A&E straight away if you think you have been exposed to high levels.

More information about carbon monoxide poisoning can be found on the NHS website.

If you smell gas or fumes, turn off the gas at the meter and:

• Open windows.
• Put out naked flames.
• Don't use electrical switches.
• Remove all pets from the area.
• Call us straight away on 0300 003 5454.

For more information, please watch our gas safety animation

We carry out an electrical test in our properties every five years. When your home is due to be tested, we will contact you to let you know who will be carrying out the work and when it will take place.

The inspection, which can take 2-4 hours to complete (depending on property size), involves looking at the condition of all electrical sockets, the existing wiring and identifying any repairs needed to meet national safety standards, as well as disconnecting any defective DIY electrical work that is deemed to be unsafe.

There are a few simple tips you can do to improve electrical safety in your home:

• Avoid overloading sockets. Keep to one plug per socket.
• Use a proper adaptor when using a non-UK electrical appliance. Never put two prong plugs into three prong sockets.
• Don't use heaters for drying clothes and keep them a safe distance away to avoid them catching fire.
• Check your electrical appliances regularly. If you notice burn marks around plugs or cables or leads are broken or scorched, unplug the appliance immediately and arrange for a qualified electrician to inspect it or repair it. Don't fix faulty appliances yourself.
• Pay special attention to tumble dryers and fridges. Make sure that you have installed them correctly and that vents are not blocked. Use them in line with the manufacturer's guidelines (for cleaning and maintenance).
• An extension lead or adaptor will have a limit to how many amps it can take, so be careful not to overload them to reduce the risk of fire. Know the limits of your appliances by checking the numbers shown on the plug (usually shown as Amps or Volts).
• When charging electrical goods, follow the manufacturer's instructions and look for the CE mark that indicates chargers comply with European safety standards.
• Never run mains powered items into a bathroom - water and electricity are a deadly mix.
• Don't use electrical gardening equipment outside until it is dry.
• Always switch off electrical items when not in use.
• Don't cover plug sockets or extension cables.
• Don't leave phone chargers or hot handheld electrical appliances such as hairdryers and straighteners plugged in when not in use.

For more information about electrical safety visit Electrical Safety First's website and watch our electrical safety animation

E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular as they provide a convenient, environmentally friendly and cheap form of travel.

Despite their benefits, they do present a serious fire hazard. This is due to the lithium batteries which are used to power the e-bikes and e-scooters.

There are measures you can take to minimise the risk of fire and explosion:

• Purchasing batteries and chargers from reliable sources.
• Ensuring batteries and chargers are suitable for the type of e-bike or e-scooter.
• Avoiding overcharging batteries which will reduce the risk of overheating.
• Inspecting batteries and chargers for damage and replacing where necessary.
• Storing batteries separate from the e-bikes and e-scooters in a safe place.
• Only charge batteries when in attendance or during waking hours.
• Storing batteries in a safe and dry place away from children.
• Parking e-bikes and e-scooters away from escape routes.
• Always check that your battery is CE or UKCA marked.

If you have an e-bike or e-scooter stored in your living space or corridor, please notify your Neighbourhood Coordinator or call the Customer Service Centre on 0300 003 5454, who will take the necessary details and pass them on to the Health & Safety Team.

For more information about the dangers of e-bikes and e-scooters, and how to use them safely, please watch the following videos:

• How to use e-bikes and e-scooters safely
• Home Office Video 
• ITV News article

Inflammable materials dangerous substances and safety measures

If you use bottled gas in your home, you must follow the maker's instructions carefully when using, storing, and getting rid of it.

Motor Vehicles and Parts: You cannot bring motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, quad bikes, or any vehicles with engines inside your home. Large car parts like wheels or engines, and industrial equipment are also not allowed inside.

Flammable Materials: For everyone's safety, you must not keep materials that can easily catch fire in your home or in any storage space that we own or manage. The only exception is that you can keep up to 1 gallon of fuel in your shed, but it must be in a proper container made for storing fuel.

These rules help keep you, your family, and your neighbours safe. Breaking these rules could put people in danger and might mean you're breaking the terms of your tenancy.

As a landlord, we have to meet certain safety obligations by law, including:

• Gas appliances must be checked by a Gas Safe registered gas fitter every year.
• Electrical systems must be checked every 5 years.
• At least one smoke alarm is installed on every level of your home (please check these regularly and report them to us if they are not working).

Watch our fire prevention and fire safety videos, as well as following this simple advice to help keep yourself and your family safe:

Candles

• Be careful with candles and tea lights. Avoid placing them on or near materials that could burn or catch fire - like curtains.
• Never leave a candle unattended.

Cigarettes

• Make sure cigarettes are put out properly after you have finished with them.
• Be extra careful if you have been drinking alcohol or taking medication which may make you drowsy.
• If you live in a flat above the ground floor, never throw your cigarette over the balcony or through a window because of the potential fire risk to balconies or properties below.

Cooking

• If you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking, take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk.
• Avoid cooking when under the influence of alcohol.
• Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking on the hob. Keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach to keep them safe.
• Make sure saucepan handles don't stick out - so they don't get knocked off the stove.
• Take care if you're wearing loose clothing - it can easily catch fire.
• Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
• Spark devices are safer than matches or lighters to light gas cookers, because they don't have a naked flame.
• Double check the cooker is off when you've finished cooking.
• Do not use a BBQ cooker (including disposal BBQ) on a balcony or communal area.
• Keep electrics (leads and appliances) away from water.
• Check toasters are clean and placed away from curtains and kitchen rolls.
• Keep the oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order. A build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire.
• Take care when cooking with hot oil - it sets alight easily.
• Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so it doesn't splash.
• If the oil starts to smoke - it's too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool.
• Use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer. They can't overheat.
• If a pan catches fire, don't take any risks. Turn off the heat if it's safe to do so. Never throw water over it.

Escape routes

• Plan an escape route and make sure everyone knows how to escape. It could save your life.
• Make sure you know the evacuation plan for your building (for example, stay put unless the fire is in your flat).
• Establish where the fire exits and alarms are if you live in a large or high level building.
• Count how many doors you might need to go through to escape. It can be hard to see in smoke and you might become confused about where you are.
• Keep all exits clear.
• Keep landings and stairs clear of any items which could cause an obstruction to you or another person.
• Keep fire doors closed. They help to slow down the spread of fire and will give you extra time to get out.
• Keep door and window keys where everyone can find them.

Night time check list

• Close inside doors at night to stop a fire from spreading.
• Turn off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on - like your fridge freezer.
• Check your cooker is turned off.
• Don't leave the washing machine or tumble dryer on.
• Turn heaters off and put up fireguards.
• Put candles and cigarettes out properly.
• Make sure exits are kept clear.
• Keep door and window keys where everyone can find them.

What to do if there is a fire

• Don't tackle fires yourself. Leave it to the professionals.
• Keep calm and act quickly, get everyone out as soon as possible.
• Don't waste time investigating what's happened or rescuing valuables.
• If there's smoke, keep low where the air is clearer.
• Before you open a door check if it's warm. If it is, don't open it - fire is on the other side.
• Call 999 as soon as you're clear of the building.

What to do if your escape is blocked

• If you can't get out, get everyone into one room, ideally with a window and a phone.
• Put bedding around the bottom of the door to block out the smoke.
• Call 999 then open the window and shout "HELP FIRE".
• If you're on the ground or first floor, you may be able to escape through a window.
• Use bedding to cushion your fall and lower yourself down carefully. Don't jump.
• If you can't open the window break the glass in the bottom corner. Make jagged edges safe with a towel or blanket.

Here are some easy to follow fire prevention steps from the Government website and additional fire safety information
NFCC Cost of Living - Fire Safety
HFSV Fire Safety - How safe are you

We have some helpful videos about what to do if there is a fire in your block or in your flat, as well as the advice below:

• Familiarise yourself with the evacuation procedure for your building.
• Avoid using lifts and balconies if there is a fire.
• It is easy to get confused in smoke, so count how many doors you need to go through to reach the stairs.
• Check there is nothing in the corridors or stairways that could catch fire - like boxes or rubbish.
• Make sure doors to stairways are not locked.
• Make sure everyone in the building knows where the fire alarms are.
• Keep all communal areas clear of obstructions, for example, plant pots, prams, mobility scooters and bikes.
• Do not use BBQ cookers (including disposable ones) on a balcony or communal area.
• Do not wedge fire doors open.
• Place all rubbish in the bins provided.
• Report any damage to lights or fire alarms promptly.
• Do not tamper with any fire or smoke detection system.

Fire doors play a crucial role in preventing the spread of fire and smoke within a building and are fitted with self-close devices to make sure that they remain closed when not in use. If there is a fire:

• They allow enough time to escape.
• Reduce the damage caused by fire and smoke.
• Protect the evacuation/escape route.
• Provide emergency services with a protected route to access the building.

As a landlord we are responsible for maintaining fire doors to ensure that they remain effective in the event of a fire. This includes:

• Carrying out quarterly checks of all fire doors including self-closing devices in communal areas.
• Attempting to carry out annual checks of all flat entrance doors including self-closing devices that lead onto a communal area.
• Providing up to date information on the importance of fire doors to a building's safety.

In addition to fire doors, you will see that other fire safety measures are in place such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and fire alarms.

You can help to keep yourself and other residents safe by:

• Reporting any damage to fire equipment or fire doors as soon as you see it.
• Allowing us into you home to carry out an annual fire door safety check.
• Not taking any action that could increase the risk of causing a fire or spreading a fire.
• Not removing or damaging any of the fire safety equipment in the building.

We know that burglaries and home intrusions can cause distress and anxiety for customers and residents, so we try to ensure that our homes are as secure as possible. We will also respond to emergency repairs which could leave your home vulnerable as a priority.

Here are some simple tips to help keep your home as secure as possible:

Lock doors

In 70% of burglaries, the offender gained entry through a door. Don't forget to lock your shed, garage and any side and/or back gate with a heavy duty padlock, and if you have ladders, make sure you padlock them to something secure.

Lock windows

Where window locks are fitted, keep the keys safe and lock windows when not in use, even if you are in for the evening and especially when you are leaving the house or going to bed.

Leave lights on

60% of burglaries take place between 6pm and 6am. Leaving the lights on when you go out in the evening will create the illusion that there's someone at home and reduce the chance of a potential break in. Consider leaving lights on a timer, leaving the radio playing and ensuring cash and valuables are out of sight.

Outdoor lighting acts as a deterrent and makes it easier to find your way if you're coming or going after dark. You can install a low-level light that automatically switches on from dusk until dawn, or you can get a light that switches on when it senses movement outside your home.

Install alarms

A home without a security system is 300% more likely to be burgled. Installing an alarm in a place where it can be easily seen is an effective visual deterrent. An alarm will alert neighbours of a potential intrusion, giving you peace of mind while you are away from home.

Hide keys

Leaving a spare key outside your home under the doormat or flowerpot is extremely risky. If you need to leave a spare key for any reason, consider a police approved secure key lock box mounted to a wall.

Insurance

Only 9% of property taken during burglaries is recovered, make sure your contents are insured. Think about marking your possessions with your postcode and the number of your house or flat. This deters burglars because it makes stolen property harder to sell. If your valuables are stolen, the police are more likely to find them if they are marked.

You can register your valuable possessions online for free on the Immobilise Property Register This website helps police identify owners of lost or stolen property.

Bogus Callers

Be wary of bogus callers who try and trick their way into your home by pretending to be a meter reader, police officer, council official, or an ordinary person needing help. You should only let someone into your home if you're absolutely sure that they're genuine and you want them in your home. You don't need to open the door for them and don't feel embarrassed about turning them away. If you have a door chain fitted, always answer the door to unknown callers using the chain.

If you're worried about a doorstep caller, dial 999 and ask for the police.

Employees of Community Housing and our contractors will always carry ID, whether we have an appointment or turn up on the off chance.

If you are unsure if visitors really are from Community Housing then check by calling us on 0300 003 5454 - genuine callers will not be offended by this.

When away from home:

• Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your home for you.
• Avoid discussing your holiday plans on social networking websites or other public places.
• Cancel your regular deliveries, such as milk bottles or newspaper (if a burglar sees parcels or newspapers on your doorstep, it's easier to tell that you're away).
• Plug a lamp into a time switch that will automatically turn on in the evenings, but don't leave it in a room that passers-by can see into when the light is on.

You will find more home safety advice on the Crimestoppers website and by watching our home security animation

Having clean water in your home is vital for your health and wellbeing.

Although most household water systems contain some bacteria and other organisms which do not cause any problems, you can become ill if the bacteria multiplies in the right conditions. The bacteria can spread in small droplets of water (such as the spray from showers or taps) which if inhaled, can cause Legionnaires disease.

It isn't spread directly from person to person and you can't get it from drinking water.

Legionnaire's disease is a form of lung disease, caused by legionella bacteria. It is quite rare with only 400-500 cases reported in the UK each year. You can read more about it on the NHS website.

The symptoms are similar to those of flu:

• High temperature.
• Fever.
• Headache.
• Tiredness.
• Muscle Pain.
• Dry Cough.

If you suspect you or someone in your household has contact Legionnaire's disease contact your doctor immediately.

You should also contact us on 0300 003 5454 so we can take appropriate action.

Follow these simple steps to help keep bacteria number low:

• Run all unused taps (indoor and outdoor) for at least two minutes weekly.
• If you are going to be away from your home for a week or more, make sure you run your taps when you get home, this will help to flush out excess bacteria.
• Keep all showerheads and taps clean and free from the build-up of limescale.
• Keep hot water at a minimum temperature of 60°C but beware of the risk of scalding. If you are not sure how to adjust the temperature of your boiler, let us know.
• If you have any concerns about your water system, give us a call on 0300 003 5454.

Preventing burst pipes in cold weather

Water expands as it freezes, pressurising the pipe from the inside out. Whether the pipe is strong enough to withstand the pressure without buckling comes down to the volume of water that's frozen, the type, shape and age of the pipe, and whether corrosion was already present.

If a pipe freezes:

• Turn off the water supply at the stopcock.
• Check to see if the pipe has burst.
• Slowly thaw the pipe with hot water bottles or a towel soaked in hot water, starting at the end nearest the tap.
• You can also use a hair-dryer (lowest setting) but NOT a naked flame or blowlamp.

To prevent a pipe from freezing:

• Insulate pipes, particularly pipes in unheated areas like loft spaces or garages. Make sure there are no gaps at bends, valves or fittings.
• Fix dripping taps - even a small trickle can result in a frozen pipe.
• Find your property's internal stopcock or valve and make sure you can turn it off if necessary. Most stopcocks are fitted under the kitchen sink and close by turning clockwise.
• Minimise draughts from outside and close doors and windows to unheated parts of the property.
• Leave the heating on low when you are away and get a friend or neighbour to check the property regularly.
• If a property is going to be unoccupied for long periods, turn off the water at the stopcock and consider draining down the system so there is no water left in the pipes.

Dealing with a water leak

If there is a leak outside your property, please contact you water supplier (usually Severn Trent).

If the leak is inside your home or building, turn the water off at the stopcock (usually found under your sink or in an airing cupboard) please call us on 0300 003 5454. Make sure that you turn the taps off in the bath, sink and basins and remove plug (this prevent any flooding when the water is turned on again)

For more information, please watch our water safety animation

What Is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material which was widely used for its durability and fire-resistant properties, in the construction of residential properties (pre-1999).

Why Is asbestos a risk?

Asbestos that is in good condition and left undisturbed is safe and poses no risk of harm to people. Asbestos that is damaged or disturbed is hazardous because it may release tiny fibres that enter and lodge into the respiratory system. Prolonged and repeated exposure to asbestos fibres can cause internal scarring and subsequently lead to a variety of ill health conditions.

Why don't we remove asbestos?

The removal of asbestos which is in good condition creates an unnecessary risk. Therefore, the national management strategy, in line with the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) recommendation is to leave asbestos in good condition in situ.

Important Instructions:

• Do not disturb asbestos
• Report concerns - If you notice any damage or deterioration to any of the areas identified as containing asbestos, immediately report this to Customer Services on 0300 003 5454 where we will arrange for a reinspection and make a decision on the best course of action.

For more information about asbestos, visit the Health & Safety Executive website.