Looking After Your Home
Emergencies
Knowing what to do in an emergency can minimise any danger to yourself and your family. It can also decrease the chances of serious damage to your home and its contents.
Fire
Smoke detectors could save your life. You should regularly check that they are working properly and make sure that there is power in any reserve batteries. In the event of a fire:
- get everybody out of the property immediately, if possible close doors and windows behind you.
- dial 999
- warn your neighbours if any of them may be in danger
It is always better to have a plan which has been discussed with family members beforehand so that in the case of fire every family member is prepared and knows exactly what to do.
For further fire safety advice go to www.fireservice.co.uk
Water Leak
Make sure you know where your Stop Tap is located; this varies from house to house. In the event of a leak:
- turn off the water supply at the Stop Tap and turn on all the taps to drain the water from the system.
- telephone our Plumbing and Heating Contractor straight away - Tel: 01656 767373
- minimise any damage by trying to contain dripping or flowing water
Gas Leak
If you smell gas:
Don't
- create a flame or light a cigarette
- operate electrical switches or door bells
Do
- put out flames
- open doors and windows
- keep people away from the area
- turn the gas off at the control valve
- check to see if the gas has been left on unlit or a pilot light has gone out. If so turn the appliance off and do not try to relight it until the smell of gas has completely gone
For further advice call free on 0800 111 999 or go to www.nationalgrid.com
Electricity Failure
If you and your neighbours have no electricity supply then you need to contact Western Power Distribution on 0800 052 0400
If only your home is affected then a fuse has probably blown or a trip switch tripped. You need to check your consumer unit or fuse box.
Insurance
Hafod Housing Association provides ‘Buildings Insurance Cover' for all its properties; but you need to make sure you have sufficient ‘Contents Insurance'. Even smoke damage from a simple chip pan fire can be very extensive and result in you having to redecorate and replace curtains.
In conjunction with Allianz Insurance plc Hafod can offer tenants' a contents policy that you can pay for on a fortnightly or monthly basis which makes it more affordable. Contact your Area Office or email enquiries@hafod.org.uk for further details.
If you would like further details on looking after your home please download the Looking After your Home booklet.
