Your Home & Safety

Gas leaks

If you smell gas:

• Extinguish all cigarettes and do not ignite a match or use any other naked flames.
• Avoid using electrical switches (including light switches).
• Open doors and windows to get rid of the gas.
• Check if a pilot light has blown out, or if you have left a gas ring on your cooker.

If you suspect a leak turn off the gas supply at the meter and telephone the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Please remember that we need to give authorisation for any repairs that are our responsibility.

Electrical safety

• Find out how to switch off the mains supply – if you are not sure how to do this, ask us now.
• NEVER take an electrical appliance into the bathroom.
• Avoid running electrical wires under carpets or lino, where you cannot see if they start to wear out.
• Get a qualified electrician to deal with electrical repairs to electrical appliances – don’t do them yourself.
• Avoid overloading electrical sockets.

Fire

You can reduce the risk of fire by being careful and taking some simple precautions:

• Fit a smoke alarm in your home (if you live in shared accommodation we will provide a smoke alarm). If you need to buy an alarm, you will be able to get one from shops such as B&Q and Homebase. Make sure the smoke alarm you buy conforms to the British Standard and the packaging has a kitemark on it.
• Make sure that all fires are properly guarded – especially if you have young children.
• Make sure all electrical appliances are correctly fused.