Safety in your home

Your safety is paramount; all residents should be and feel safe in their homes. Please read through the information in this section to see what we do to keep you safe and what you should do to protect yourself. 

  • Fire

    While we are responsible for ensuring your buildings are safe and meet all fire regulations there are also many precautions you can follow to help minimise the risk of fire.

    We have information covering the major risks that can cause danger for you, your families and your neighbours. Please read our frequently asked questions carefully and follow the instructions to make sure you are as safe as possible.

    If you have any further queries, you can send them to safeplaces@nhg.org.uk or speak to your officer.

  • Gas

    To make sure appliances in your home are working safely, it's essential that you have a gas safety check each year and keep a valid gas safety certificate.

    Protect yourself from gas leaks

    If you think you can smell gas, you should:

    • Call the National Grid immediately on 0800 111 999
    • Turn off the gas at your meter
    • Open all windows.

    If you smell gas, do not:

    • Switch on or off lights, appliances or other electrical items
    • Bring naked flames (like matches or cigarette lighters) into your home.

    Once you've contacted the National Grid they'll send someone to check for leaks. If they find any leaks they will turn off your gas supply and ask you to contact us or your gas contractor.

  • Carbon monoxide

    Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas. It's colourless, odourless and tasteless but it can be fatal.

    Carbon monoxide can escape from appliances like boilers and fires if they are not working properly. Carbon monoxide gas can also be produced if your gas appliance is faulty, or if the chimney or flue is blocked.

    The danger signs of carbon monoxide are:

    • Gas flames that normally burn blue, burning orange or yellow
    • Sooty stains on or above appliances.

    To make sure everything is working safely it's essential that you have a valid gas safety certificate by getting a gas safety check done every year.

  • Locks

    We provide at least a night latch for the door of tenants' homes. You may want to fit more locks on doors and windows for extra security.

    If you lose your door keys or get locked out of your home, you'll need to arrange for someone to get in and change the lock. If you have any difficulties, we may be able to arrange for a locksmith to do the work for you but we will charge you the full cost.

    If you share a front door with other tenants, it is against fire regulations to fit certain types of locks. You must always consult us before changing a lock or fitting a new lock on a shared front door.

  • Know who's visiting

    To stay safe in your home, it's important to check the identity of all callers before you let them in.

    Our staff members carry identity cards with photographs that they should show you, as should representatives from other organisations such as gas and electricity companies, the local council and contractors we hire.

    If you're suspicious of somebody calling at your home, do not let him/her in, but call the police or the organisation that they claim to represent.

  • Electricity

    Faulty electrical supplies can cause serious injury or death. Damaged or faulty equipment can lead to electrical shocks, fires and explosions.

    How do we manage this risk?

    We have an ongoing programme of checks and maintenance of communal electrical supplies as well as those in your home. In this programme we provide Electrical Installation Condition Reports on all communal electrical supplies. If we spot any damaged or faulty systems we will carry out required repairs. In every case our electricians will always make sure electrical supplies are safe before they leave the property.

    We will respond to any reports of damaged or faulty supplies and we may need to turn off some or all power if we cannot make it safe on the first visit. We will always repair the supply as soon as possible. In some cases we may need to prioritise repairs in the homes of more vulnerable residents.

    What should you know and do about the risk?

    Please do not carry out your own electrical repairs. If you think a socket in your property or an electrical supply in a communal area is damaged or faulty please tell your housing officer straight away, or if you're a homeowner you will need to arrange for an electrician to attend.

    If you think any electrical items in your home are damaged then contact a professional electrician for advice.

    It’s important to maintain any electrical items in your home and make sure they are undamaged, always be conscious not to overload your sockets.

More information

If you'd like more advice on what you can do to protect your home, contact the Crime Prevention Officer at your local police station. Your housing officer or property management officer (PMO) may also be able to point you to other available help.