Safety at Home

Electrical Safety

• Switch off electrical items that are not in regular use at the plug and unplug and switch off if you are away from the house for any length of time.

• Do not use items with damaged cords. Check items regularly.

• Always have checks and repairs done by a registered electrician. Your local Care & Repair has a list of approved, local contractors.

• Ensure all electrical items have the BEAB seal of approval and keep them correctly maintained.

• If you experience a power cut, simply call 105 for free. 105 is the new nationwide number that will put you through to your local electricity network operator – the company that manages the cables, wires and substations that bring electricity into your home.

Fire Safety

• Test your smoke alarms regularly. Remember, a smoke alarm can only warn you if it works properly.

• Always take proper care with cigarettes and put them out properly, especially if you’re tired or unwell.

• Don’t use electrical heaters near curtains or furniture, or dry clothes on them.

• If you have an open coal fire, always use a fire guard when you’re not in the room and allow to burn down before going to bed.

Gas Safety

• Have all gas appliances in your property safety checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

• Be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – flu like symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness and loss of consciousness.

• Look out for warning signs that a gas appliance isn’t working properly – lazy yellow flames, excessive condensation and black marks or stains around the appliance.

• Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm near to your gas appliance following the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Provide enough ventilation for gas appliances to burn correctly and make sure no air vents or chimneys are blocked.

• If you smell gas, think you have a gas leak, or are worried that fumes containing carbon monoxide are escaping from a gas appliance, call the FREE Gas Emergency Services immediately on 0800 111 999.