We want everyone to be safe in their home. Just a few simple checks can make a big difference when it comes to keeping you, your family and neighbours safe. Here is how smoke alarms save lives and why you should regularly check heating and cooking appliances to make sure they are working correctly and not giving off poisonous fumes.Smoke Alarms
At Rykneld Homes we fit a smoke alarm in every home. It is important the alarms work and that batteries are not removed.
Did you know...
- You're twice as likely to die in a fire if you don't have a smoke alarm that works.
- 90 people die each year because the battery in their smoke alarm was flat or missing.
- Never disconnect a hard-wired smoke alarm or take the batteries out of your alarm if it goes off by mistake.
- Standard battery-operated alarms are the cheapest option, but the batteries need to be replaced every year.
- A lot of people forget to check the batteries, so longer life batteries are better.
- Make checking your smoke alarm part of your regular household routine.
- Test it by pressing the button until the alarm sounds. If it doesn't sound, you need to replace the battery.
- If your smoke alarm starts to beep on a regular basis, you need to replace the battery immediately.
The Silent Killer
Every year Rykneld Homes carries out safety checks on all gas boilers fitted in its properties. Please make sure you allow our staff in to carry out the check - it could save someone's life.
CO dangers in the home
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is potentially fatal and even low levels of the gas can cause lasting damage to your health. You can't see it, taste it, or smell it but CO can kill quickly without warning.
Boilers, heaters and cooking appliances that use fuel such as oil, gas, and solid fuel have the potential to produce carbon monoxide if they are not installed correctly, are poorly maintained, or used incorrectly.
Because of the way CO affects the body you should always be aware of the following symptoms:
Headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and fatigue.
- It is important that flues and chimneys are cleaned and that vents tot eh outside are not blocked or covered.
- It is important that appliances are maintained by an appropriately registered engineer.
- Any un-flued heating or cooking appliance (which is meant to work without a flue) should not be used in small, closed-up rooms as adequate ventilation is required to ensure these appliances work correctly.
- Keep appliances and vents clean to ensure that there is enough airflow.
