In Emergency

What to do if your smoke alarm goes off

Firstly, consider whether there is an obvious reason for the alarm activating. For example,

have you just burnt the toast, or cooked something which has created a lot of smoke?

If this is the case and you are sure that this is the reason for the alarm going off, press the

reset button on the alarm and carry on as usual.

If the alarm goes off unexpectedly, start to make your way calmly to the nearest exit,

ensuring everyone else in the property has heard the alarm and is doing the same.

As you go, look out for any signs of smoke or fire. If you see any signs of fire:

 GET OUT

 GET THE FIRE BRIGADE OUT

 STAY OUT

Get out of the property. Dial 999, ask for the fire brigade and inform them of the address of

the fire. Do not go back inside to try to fight the fire or to rescue any belongings unless you

have been told it is safe to do so by the fire brigade.

Your priority is make sure that you and your family are safe.

In the event of a fire, you landlord will need to be informed, but this should NOT be your priority.

Your first call must always be 999.

Once you have got out of the property, if there is no sign of smoke or fire, do not assume

that it is safe to go back inside, especially if the alarm continues to sound.

Proceed with caution and if in any doubt, always dial 999.

Tips to help keep yourself safe from fire:

 Test your smoke alarms regularly by pressing the test button. The alarm should

sound for a short while and then stop. If this doesn’t happen, inform your landlord.

 If your smoke alarm starts to beep intermittently, it is likely that the battery is running low.

Again, please inform your landlord.

 Plan escape routes in the case of fire and ensure all members of the household are

aware of them; especially children.

Remember, the front door may not always be the safest way out.

What to do if you smell gas

Natural gas, as supplied to our homes, is a volatile substance and must be

treated with respect.

If you smell, or think you smell, gas in your home, take the following steps.

 DO NOT USE ANY SWITCHES. If it is on, leave it on, if it is off leave it off.

The smallest spark from a switch can ignite a build-up of gas.

 DO NOT USE ANY NAKED FLAMES. Do not smoke, or light a match,

candle or similar; even outside.

 Open doors and windows to help ventilate the property, allowing any

build up of gas to escape.

 If you can, turn off the gas supply. Near your meter, you will see a lever,

which will normally run parallel (in the same direction) as the pipe it is

attached to. Turn the lever through 90 degrees, to shut off the gas

supply. (If you don’t know where this lever is, you may want to ask your

landlord to show you next time they visit).

 Leave your property

 Dial 0800 111 999 (free to call) and report that you smell gas in your

property. Follow any instructions you are given.

It does not matter who your gas supplier is, or what sort of meter you

have, the number to dial is the same.

If for any reason you are behind with your gas payments or are in

emergency credit, you must still call. A gas leak is an emergency and the

gas emergency service are duty bound to make it safe – they are not

interested in any debts you might have.

 When it is appropriate to do so, call your landlord or property manager

to make them aware of the situation.

Did you know?

 A gas leak will not be detected by a smoke alarm or a Carbon Monoxide alarm.

 Natural gas is actually odourless. Because of its hazardous nature, the distinctive

smell is added as a way of noticing a leak.

What to do if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off

Carbon Monoxide is produced when gas (or solid fuel) fails to burn properly, usually due to a

fault in the boiler or appliance.

Carbon Monoxide can not be seen, smelt or tasted, but is highly toxic and can cause serious

illness or even death if exposed to a high concentration.

For this reason, we have installed a Carbon Monoxide alarm in your property.

In normal conditions, the alarm will be silent, although there may be an occasional flashing

light, depending upon the make and model of your alarm. Please refer to the manual for

your particular alarm for more information.

If your alarm detects the presence of Carbon Monoxide, it will sound. Should this occur, you

must take the following action.

 Open windows and doors throughout the property to help the carbon monoxide

escape.

 Leave your property

 If anyone is feeling unwell (nauseous, headaches, drowsy) dial 111 for medical advice

– if anyone is seriously unwell (such as losing consciousness) dial 999 and request an

ambulance.

 Call the gas emergency service on 0800 111 999 (free to call) and report that your

carbon monoxide alarm has sounded. Follow any instructions they may give you.

 When it is appropriate to do so, call your landlord or property manager to make

them aware of the situation.

NEVER COVER, REMOVE OR IGNORE YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM. Remember you

will not see or smell carbon monoxide, your alarm is there to protect you and your family.

If, for any reason, you think your alarm is not working, please contact your property

manager or landlord.

Did You Know?

 Unlike gas, Carbon Monoxide is not explosive. Its danger lies in its toxicity.

It does not take much Carbon Monoxide to cause serious harm. A concentration of

just 1% is likely to be fatal.