NEED TO KNOW: YOUR SAFETY

If any of your smoke alarms go off, never assume that it is a false alarm:

• Don’t waste time investigating what’s happened or rescuing valuables

• Don’t tackle fires yourself, many people are injured this way

• Leave it to the professionals

• Before you open a door check if it’s warm with the back of your hand. If it is, don’t open it, there may be a fire on the other side

• If there’s smoke, keep low where the air is clearer

• Ensure all fire doors are kept closed, including your flat door

• Call 999 as soon as it’s safe to do so – 999 calls are free

• Never go back into the building once you are safely outside

If you cannot make voice calls, you can contact the 999 emergency services by SMS text from your mobile phone. You will only be able to use this service if you have registered with emergency SMS first. Text ‘register’ to 999. You will get a reply – then follow the instructions you are sent.

We have more helpful information on our website as to how you can keep your home fire safe. Visit www.swan.org.uk/fire-safety.

3.3 BALCONY, WINDOW AND ROOF SAFETY

If you live in a tall building, falls from height pose a risk to you and your family, especially small children.

In the event of any damage to your windows, balcony railings or glazing, it is important you report these repairs to Axis at once, so we can make them safe or carry out an urgent repair.

This includes any damage to balcony or walkway railings, balustrades or glazing panels to communal walkways.

To make sure you and your family stay safe in your home, remember:

• Don’t disconnect the window restrictor on your window unless you need to open the window fully to clean it. The restrictor is a safety device that prevents the window opening wide enough to allow a child to fall out.

• Never leave small children unattended in a room where windows or French doors leading to balconies are open.

• Keep the area below windows and balcony railings clear of furniture or stored items. These could be used by a child to climb out of an open window or climb over a balcony railing.

• Don’t put any material (such as vinyl sheet or tiles) down on your balcony. This will prevent rainwater from draining properly and may also make the surface slippery when wet, causing you to slip and fall.

• Barbecues are not permitted on balconies, nor are fairy lights, as these can cause a fire risk.

Remember, if there is a fault or a repair is needed to your windows or balcony railings, you should report to Axis immediately (see page 18).