If a fire breaks out in your home
- Close the door of the room where the fire started
- Get everyone out
- Call the fire brigade by dialling 999
- Do not return to your home until you have been told that it is safe to do so.
Fire prevention
Reduce the risk of fire in your home:
- Make sure all fires are guarded
- Don't hang clothes around fires or cookers
- Close all doors at night
- Never leave pans on the cooker unattended
- Never leave burning candles unattended
- Make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished
- Put up a smoke alarm
Smoke alarms
Homes that have had or will have complete rewires as part of our Decent Homes programme will have smoke detectors fitted.
If you need to buy a smoke alarm, there are many types you can buy and fit yourself. Check the instructions, as some may need to be fitted by a professional. The Fire Safety office can give you more information, call them on 0207 587 4413
Look after your smoke alarm by:
- making sure it is fitted according to the manufacturers instructions
- test the alarm each week
- clean the alarm - make sure it is free from dust
- change the battery every year and always use a high quality battery
- change the alarm if it has come to the end of its lifespan.
- reduce the number of false alarms by opening windows and venting your home when cooking.
If you have a smoke alarm fitted as part of the Decent Homes programme it will have a 'back up' battery even if it is wired into the electrics of your home. The back up battery is there in case your power supply is interrupted. If your alarm begins to beep regularly, its usually because the battery needs to be changed. If you have fitted a new battery and are still having a problem, contact the Customer Service Centre on 0800 085 65 75 for advice.
Gas Leaks
If you smell gas, contact TRANSCO immediately by calling 0800 11199. This is a freephone number. Make sure you know where the emergency stopvalve is for the supply to your home.
- Turn off the supply by moving the handle to the up position
- Open your windows and doors to vent the property
- Don't use naked flames or light cigarettes
- Don't use electrical switches
- Check if the pilot light has been blown out on your heating system
