Making your home safe:

• Test your smoke alarm every month. Smoke alarms save lives.
• Make sure you have a plan if your smoke alarm goes off. Do not try to put out a fire yourself. Phone 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service. Be ready to tell them where you live.
• Don’t leave children alone in the kitchen when the hob or oven is on and take extra care when cooking with hot oil.
• Don't overload electric sockets, try to keep to one plug per socket, and regularly check for broken or damaged plugs and wires. 
• Cigarettes start a lot of fires. When you finish a cigarette, make sure it is right out.
• Put candles in a holder and keep them away from things that may burn, for example, curtains and papers.
• If you live in a block of flats, familiarize yourself with a local fire action plan published in the communal areas.

Flooding can cause damage not only to your property, but also to your personal belongings. We encourage all tenants to take out their own contents insurance should the worst happen. Find out more about tenant's home contents insurance.

More information on to prepare for floods if you live near a watercourse and what to do if there is a flood can be found here

If you find a leak:

• Turn off the water supply (stop cock) or the isolation valve, depending on the nature of the leak.
• If you can’t find the stop cock, use a bucket, and place it under the leak to catch the water.
• If it’s a minor pipe leak, grab a towel and wrap it around the pipe to soak up the water.
• Then report the leak to Mears
• Please also remember to turn all the taps off, to avoid flood when water comes back on.

Further info on leaks

How to stop a leak - DIY Tips | Mears Group PLC

Further info on blockages

How to unblock a toilet - DIY Tips | Mears Group PLC

How to unblock a sink - DIY Tips | Mears Group PLC

If you have no power:

• If you have a pre-payment meter, check if you have credit. If it has credit and you believe the meter is faulty, you will need to contact your energy supplier.
• Has a fuse tripped? It’s worth checking your fuse box.
• If it looks like there has been a power cut, call 105. It’s free of charge and they will put you through to your local network operator who can give you help and advice.
  
  
  
  In the event of a power cut, Power Network advises to:
  
   
• Switch off all electrical appliances that shouldn’t be left unattended, ready for when the power comes back on.
• Leave a light on so you know when the power outage has been resolved.
• Check to see if your neighbours are OK.
• Wrap up warm.

Further info Appliance Testing - DIY Tips | Mears Group PLC

The below links will take you to information and advice on how to use and get the most efficiency from your heating systems.

Central Heating Checks - DIY Tips | Mears Group PLC



Storage Heater Systems - DIY Tips | Mears Group PLC

Understanding damp and mould 

• Damp is the build-up of moisture in a property. It affects building materials (such as walls, floors, ceilings, foundations) and/or home furnishings and belongings (such as carpets, curtains, wallpaper, furniture and clothing). Damp can occur in homes for a variety of reasons.
• In addition to causing damage, damp can also lead to the growth of mould and other microorganisms. In ideal conditions, such as where there is poor ventilation and damp areas it can take just 1 or 2 days for mould to grow. 

Reporting damp and mould 

• Where you are experiencing issues with damp and mould in your property you should report this to us. It can be easy to spot the cause of mould, however sometimes further investigation may be required, and our team will support you with this.
• Report it online at https://mearsmk.activehousing.co.uk/repairs-postcode-picker/  
• By phone on 0330 123 2522 
• By email to dampandmould@mearsgroup.co.uk  

Who can be affected by damp and mould? 

While damp and mould pose a risk to anyone’s health, certain people are more susceptible, such as; 

• People with pre-existing health conditions 
• People with weakened immune systems 
• People living with a mental health condition. 
• Pregnant women, their unborn babies and women who have recently given birth. 
• Children and young people 
• Older people 
• People who are bedbound, housebound or who have mobility issues. 

You should make us or our contractors aware if you fall in any of these categories when reporting an issue. 

How do I reduce damp or stop it spreading? 

• Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms. 
• Close internal doors when you cook or shower. 
• Keep rooms warm - at least 15 degrees. 
• Open windows or use trickle vents when it’s not too cold (opening a bedroom window for 10 minutes when you get up can help) 
• Dry clothes outdoors or use a vented tumble dryer. 
• Leave a gap between furniture and external walls. 
• Cover pans when cooking 
• Wipe away condensation. 

Important information for council tenants about damp and mould

Further info - How to manage condensation - DIY Tips | Mears Group PLC 

Government Guidance - Read in-depth guidance on damp, mould and the responsibilities of landlords. 

Before winter arrives make sure your home can handle the falling temperatures and storms too. Here are the key eight things you should check now and some information on fuel discount schemes you may be entitled to.

1. When we contact you about servicing your gas boiler, please get the appointment booked in. This is to make sure your boiler is safe to use and working.
2. Try your heating before you need to use it - turn your boiler on for at least 15 minutes (turn the room thermostat up to above current room temperature by 2 or 3 degrees) and check that all your radiators are heating up. If any radiators or controls are not working properly, please report this to Mears.
3. If your radiators are not getting hot at the top, this is probably because a little bit of air needs to come out. You should bleed your radiator if this happens by using a radiator key to open the top valve a little bit, then close it again.
4. Make sure you’re on the best energy deal. Check whether you’re on the most cost-effective energy tariff by visiting websites that compare prices from different suppliers you could save more than you think. Also, if you are worried about your finances and how you are going to make ends meet, there is help available, please visit our cost-of-living support page for further information.
5. Check your home insurance - remember you are responsible for insuring the contents of your home.
6. Check your gutters are clear - clearing gutters is your responsibility (except if you live in a block of flats).
7. Remember that if you have a loft, this is not for storage or your use. The loft is insulated to help keep your home warm and is also ventilated to reduce the chance of damp.
8. Finally, please remember to report repairs to Mears as soon as possible.