Stay Safe In Your Home: Check Your Smoke & CO Alarms Monthly

We are committed to our tenants’ wellbeing and work hard to keep everyone safe in their homes – which is why we encourage our tenants to check their smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm every month.

Each home at Nehemiah is fitted with a smoke alarm to detect any smoke and potential fire in the property so it can alert you if needed. If your home has gas appliances, you will also have a carbon monoxide alarm (also called a CO alarm) fitted in every room with a gas-mains connected utility, excluding a gas cooker.

By regularly testing your smoke alarm and CO alarm, you keep yourself and your family safe. You also help to keep your neighbours and local community safe too.

How Can You Test Your Alarms?

Once a month, it’s important to test your alarms.

To test your smoke alarm, simply press the test button and you should hear the alarm sound. This means it is in working order.

If you hear a beeping noise in between the monthly tests, the battery in your smoke alarm needs to be changed. You might be able to replace the battery yourself, unless it is sealed. If you’re unsure or the battery is sealed within the alarm, call our repair line on FREEPHONE 0800 849 1400 or from a mobile on 03030 30 1000, and we will replace it for you.

To test your carbon monoxide alarm, press and hold the test button until you hear a quick, repeated beeping sound. This means it is in working order.

What If Your Alarm Is Faulty?

If your smoke alarm or CO alarm is faulty, you should contact our repair line immediately on FREEPHONE 0800 849 1400 or from a mobile on 03030 30 1000 – once reported, we will arrange for it to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

What Else Can You Do To Protect Yourself From Fires In Your Home?

As well as having smoke alarms, you can protect yourself and loved ones by knowing what to do in the event of a fire in your home.

Tips To Prevent Fires In The Home

Fire Safety Kits

These kits are vital to have in the home, should a small fire start, as they usually include a fire blanket, fire extinguisher, dry powder fire extinguisher and first aid kit.

Don’t Overload Extension Leads

Be careful not to overload extension leads and always remove any plugs from an extension lead that are not in use. Regularly check the wires for any signs of damage too.

Don’t Leave Candles Burning Unattended

High risk items such as candles, hobs and chip fryers, should always be blown out or switched off when you’re not in the room.

What To Do If A Fire Starts?

If a fire does break out in your home, we have some advice for what you should do.

For small fires in the home:

• Use your fire safety kit if you have one
• Shut the door of the room where the fire is to stop it spreading
• Call 999

For big fires in the home:

• Alert everyone in the property
• Follow your planned escape route
• Stay low if the smoke has risen to the ceiling
• Call 999 when it is safe to do so
• Never return inside the property for belongings

Nehemiah Is Here To Help & Support

We want all our tenants to feel safe and comfortable in their homes.

It’s important that you carry out monthly tests on your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm, if you have one, to keep yourself safe. Additionally, you should take some precautions to prevent fires in your home, such as buying a fire safety kit and turning off high risk appliances when you go to bed or go out.

If you’d like to speak to us about your smoke alarm or CO alarm or for advice on protecting your home from fire, you can contact your Housing Officer or call us on 0121 358 0966 or email contact@nehemiah.co.uk and we will be happy to help.