Stafford and Rural Homes

Be Safe and Secure!

Insurance

• Make sure you adequately insure your home contents.  Stafford and Rural Homes currently provide buildings insurance only.

Security

• Lock all doors and windows at night and when no-one is at home 
   
• Do not leave keys under a mat!
   
• If you go away for a few days, cancel regular deliveries and leave your contact address with police or neighbours
   
• Always check the identity of unknown callers

Safety – Gas

• Do not sleep in any room where an open flued gas appliance is fitted (eg a gas fire or a gas fire and back boiler)
   
• Gas cookers should be used only for cooking and not to provide heat to the kitchen or adjacent rooms
   
• It is important not to cover or restrict any permanent ventilation to any room 
   
• Electric ceiling fans must not to be fitted in any room where there is a gas appliance
   
• If you smell gas or suspect that you may have a gas leak: 
   
  • Turn off the gas supply at the mains
  • Extinguish all naked flames
  • Open all doors and windows
  • Do not operate any electrical switches (on or off)
  • Do not use your mobile phone inside the house
  • If you have a door entry system, operate the door manually
  • Report your suspicion to Transco on 0800 111999
  • Inform Stafford and Rural Homes Customer Services Centre, 24 hours a day, on 0800 111 4554

Fire Safety

• Remember to test your smoke alarm on a regular basis
   
• Electric Blankets - if you are aged 60 or over the Fire Service will test and replace the blanket where necessary free of charge
   
• Protect your home from fire
   
• Use a fireguard on an open fire
   
• Never leave a chip pan unattended, if it does catch fire, do not move it.  Turn off the heat and drop a damp towel or cloth over the pan.
   
• Never throw water on the flames
   
• In the event of a fire, close off the room, make sure everyone leaves the property safely, call 999 and give your exact address

Protect your home from frost

• Insulate your loft and lag water pipes
   
• Make sure you know where the stop taps are located and operate them on an annual basis for maintenance. Turn the stop taps off to outside water supplies (eg outside WC or garden tap) 
   
• Leave heating on a low setting overnight when the weather is cold

Prevention

• Make sure stairs and landings are clear and well lit and that carpets and rugs are secure, to help prevent accidents.
   
• Report electrical faults, water leaks, and problems with central heating systems immediately
   

For further information, Email or contact us on 0800 111 4554