Safety at home
Security
It’s very important for the security of all residents that you do not change the locks or fittings on any of the communal front doors. If there is a problem with any of the locks, please let customer services know.
When it comes to your own home, if you lose your door key or get locked out, you’ll need to arrange for a locksmith to attend. Alternatively, we can arrange it for you, but you’ll have to meet the costs.
Of course, you may also wish to fit more locks on your doors and windows for extra security. Clapham Park Project can give you some help and advice about this, call 020 8678 5900.
It’s also important that when our staff and contractors visit, you check their identity cards before you let them in. All of our staff and contractors have to carry these cards, so if you’re not sure who someone is, don’t let them into your home.
Fire safety
A fire in your home can cause you many problems beyond the damage to your property and belongings. If you lose your home to a fire you’ll have to deal with insurance claims, temporary housing, endless forms and phone calls, insecurity, poverty and the pain of loss. However, this can be prevented by carrying out some basic security measures.
Fit a smoke alarm and make sure the batteries are working. Don’t smoke in bed or leave cigarettes burning unattended. Turn off electrical sockets that aren’t being used and check to see that electrical goods are in good condition (e.g. no frayed wires, etc)
There’s more information on how to keep your home safe on the government’s fire kills website.
Home Contents Insurance
It’s important that you get your own home contents insurance. This will insure your personal belongings, furniture, carpets and decorations against water and fire damage, and also burglary. Home contents insurance also covers you if you damage your home or your neighbours’ homes (by letting a bath overflow, for example). Our own insurance will not cover you unless we’ve been negligent ourselves.