TENANTS HANDBOOK SECTION 7 PROTECTING YOUR HOME

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Below are a few simple steps that you can take to prevent a break-in:-

• Always close your windows and lock the doors when you go out, even if is only for a few minutes.
• Make sure that you do not leave tools or ladders lying about the gardens of your home.
• Never leave keys on a string behind the letter box, hidden under the door mat or in other “secret” places. Thieves can usually find them!
• If you have to go out at night time, consider leaving a light on.
• Do not leave notes on the door saying that your are out.
• Cancel Newspaper deliveries when you go on holiday and tell the police that you will be away.
• Never leave valuables lying around where they can be seen through a window.
• If you have a controlled door entry system make sure that the master door is kept closed at all times.

Thieves may try to gain entry to your home by posing as officials or workmen. Never let a stranger into your home unless you are certain of his/her identity. If you are in any doubt, telephone the Police.

Fire Safety

In the event of a fire:

• You and your family must leave the building as quickly as possible.
• Alert other residents.
• Call the Fire Brigade.
• Do not re-enter the dwelling to tackle the fire.

Most fires are caused by carelessness and can be prevented by following these tips:

• Make sure all fires are guarded.
• Do not hang clothes around fires, cookers or storage heaters.
• Keep matches out of reach of children.
• Do not leave chip pans unattended.
• Store bottled gas cylinders outside.
• Do not overload sockets with adapters and plugs.
• If you use an electric blanket make sure it is serviced every 3 years.

Electrical Safety

If you have a failure of all lighting and power in your home the cause may be an interruption in supply by NIE. You can check this by finding out if your neighbours’ homes are without electricity. If this is the case then the fault lies with the NIE and you can contact them on their emergency number. If only your home is affected you should check the following:

• If only one circuit of lights or sockets is not working the fuse may have blown. Check the fuse or the trip switch in the meter box;
• If all the lights and power are off it is likely to be the trip switch. You can reset the trip by switching the switch to the ON position. If the trip continually cuts out you should contact GHA Office;
• Most electrical faults are caused by faulty kettles, fires or table lamps. If a fuse blows or a trip cuts out when you turn one of these on you should unplug the appliance and replace the fuse or reset the trip switch. Do not use that appliance again until you have had it checked by a qualified electrician;
• Most faults on cookers are due to a faulty cooker and not the electrical wiring. This is your responsibility. Check that the red indicator light on the cooker switch on the wall is working. If it is, then the fault will be with your cooker. If the red indicator light does not light, try replacing the fuse or re-setting the trip switch.

To help keep your home electrically safe follow these simple rules:

NEVER wire more than one appliance to one plug.
NEVER plug electrical appliances into the bathroom.
NEVER plug electrical appliances into light fittings.
ALWAYS disconnect plugs when not in use.
ALWAYS ensure that appliances have the correct fuse in the plug and that the plug conforms to BS 1363 standard.
ALWAYS replace frayed flex on appliances.

Solid Fuel Roomheaters

To ensure the safety of your roomheater please follow these few simple tips:

• Clean the throat plate at least once a month to prevent a build up of ash.
• Have the chimney swept at least twice a year.
• Ensure that the metal fire slide is not covered over or sealed in place. This slide provides access for servicing and repairs.
• Follow recommendations from the Coal Advisory Service regarding the type of fuel to be used.
• Allow ashes to cool before emptying into a dustbin.