FIRE SAFETY
We do everything we can as a Tenant Management Organisation to keep our residents safe from the devastation of a major fire, but you can also help by following this advice:
- fit a smoke alarm with a British Standard kitemark– test it monthly and change the battery every year (if not wired)
- make a fire action plan so everyone in your house knows how to escape
- be careful when cooking with hot oil (consider using thermostatically controlled deep fat fryers)
- never park motorbikes in communal areas or inside your home
- never block, tie or wedge open fire doors in your home or building
- don’t leave lit candles unattended
- make sure cigarettes have been stubbed out carefully
- never smoke in bed
- No barbeques allowed on the balconies, garden or the estate ground
- keep matches and lighters away from children
- keep clothing away from heating appliances
- take special care when you’re tired or under the influence of alcohol (half of all deaths from domestic fires happen between 10pm and 8am)
- keep fire exits and escape routes clear (doors leading from your home, a balcony walkway or any shared landing, hallway or staircase)
- don’t leave white goods items in communal areas (including freezers, washing machines, fridges, tumble dryers)
- don’t overload electrical sockets
Lastly, please note that we take the health and safety of our residents very seriously and if you are found to be acting in a way that jeopardies others safety then our TMO will seek legal advice in regards to your tenancy and lease agreement.
WHAT TO DO IF I CAN SMELL GAS IN MY PROPERTY
If you think you may have a gas leak or can smell gas you should follow these simple steps:
- Open the doors and windows for ventilation.
- Ensure that all gas appliances are switched off.
- If you can still smell gas, turn the gas supply off at the meter and phone the gas emergency service: TRANSCO ON 0800 111 999
- Make sure you know where your gas meter and the main gas supply tap is. If in doubt, ask at the office.
- If there is a strong smell of gas when you enter the front door, do not go inside. Gently close the door and telephone the gas company.
- Do not use matches or naked flames or smoke.
- Do not turn any electrical switches on or off.
WHAT TO DO IF MY ELECTRICITY GOES OFF
If only your home is affected, check the main fuse box to see whether the trip switch has turned your supply off. Modern fuse boxes have a tripping mechanism instead of ‘blowing’ a fuse it automatically switches off. If you cannot find the cause of the problem call D’Eynsford office (during office hours) or Southwark Council (out of hours).
STOP COCK (WATER ISOLATION VALVE)
Know where your mains stopcock is for turning water off in an emergency. It is usually in the bathroom or the kitchen. This should be the first thing you do in the event of water flooding. Contact the Estate Office if you are unsure where this is.
CONDENSATION
Condensation is caused by too much moisture and not enough ventilation. Here are a few simple steps that you can take to reduce condensation:
- Leave the windows open when you are cooking or taking a bath.
- Do not block air vents or extractor fans.
- Make sure tumble dryers are properly installed and have ventilation.
- Keep a constant temperature in all rooms during winter.
- Avoid drying your clothes on radiators without proper ventilation.
- Consider investing in a dehumidifier.
BLOCKAGES AND BLOCKED DRAINS
Blocked drains can be a nuisance, but if caught and dealt with early on they are relatively easy to fix and you might be able to avoid more serious leaks, overflows or electrical damage which can sometimes occur. There are various things you can do at home to prevent blockages such as:
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Run hot water through the sink after each use. Hot water keeps oils in food products running down the drain, rather than building up on the interior surface of pipes, which can make drains sluggish and lead to clogs.
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Throw a handful of baking soda into the drain and follow it with hot water. Baking soda is a terrific cleaning agent, and it’s also great for absorbing foul odors and leaving your drain pipes smelling like a rose. Okay, maybe not like a rose, but a lot better than they otherwise would.
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Pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes; then chase it down with very hot water. Vinegar is a wonder cleaner. It contains acetic acid, which acts as an excellent organic solvent in removing organic buildup of crud in pipes.
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Save cooking grease in an old coffee can or cardboard milk container. Then dispose of it in the trash.
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Throw coffee grounds away in the garbage or add them to your mulch pile.
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Use a screen or drain-grate to cover the drain’s opening and minimize problems with hair and soap scum. Stop by your local plumbing-supply store to study the choices appropriate for your particular fixture. Take along a picture of the drain system to better explain your needs. Most filters and screens can be simply laid in place.
EMERGENCY OUT OF HOURS
If you have an emergency repair such as a major pipe burst or a repair that presents a danger to persons, you can contact the Southwark on 020 7525 5000. The Council will normally arrange for a contractor to “make safe” the problem until the D’Eynsford Estate Office is open, when the repair will be carried out during normal working hours. Please note this service is for emergencies ONLY (e.g. major leak, no power, flooding)
ASBESTOS | Asbestos in the communal area is an council responsibility. They have an asbestos register and carry out surveys and removal (if required). For further advice and guidance as well as reporting, please click on this link: http://www.southwark.gov.uk/housing/safety-in-the-home/asbestos-in-your-property