Safety in Your Home

Falls in the home

Falls in the home are very common occurrences, but many are preventable. Click on the NHS Choices link below to view information about simple steps to prevent falls and exercises you can do at home to help reduce the risk of falls at.
NHS Choices

Personal alarms

There are a wide range of personal and home alarms available. These may be useful if you have fallen in the past and/or are worried about your ability to contact help if needed. To find out how Telecare can help in the home, visit PPP Taking Care using the link below, or you can call PPP Taking Care on 0330 678 1628.
https://taking.care/bexleyreferral for a referral.
PPP Taking Care

Fire Safety & Smoke Alarms

Did you know that you are more than four times more likely to die in a fire at home if you do not have a working smoke alarm? A smoke alarm is the easiest way to alert everyone in the house to the danger of fire, giving you precious time for you and your loved ones to escape. They are cheap, easy to get hold of and easy to fit.   Click here for more information on fire safety

The London Fire Brigade has comprehensive information on staying fire-safe at home. 
London Fire Brigade

Gas Safety

Get a carbon monoxide detector which will change colour, flash or sound an alarm if it detects carbon monoxide. You should have one in every room that has a gas appliance. If you smell gas, or your carbon monoxide detector is alerting you, immediately phone the gas emergency number on 0800-111-999.

If you have a gas boiler, the pilot light should be alight all the time. If it has gone out and you can't relight it yourself call out a Gas Safe registered engineer. You should also have your gas appliances safety checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Gas Safe Register

Crime prevention in your home

Most burglaries are crimes of opportunity and can be prevented by keeping your home secure.  Click here to access the Age UK site which has clear information on simple ways to make sure your doors and windows are secured.

The Metropolitan Police has produced information on reducing the risks to your home and possessions and improving your security. If you are worried about doorstep sellers and rogue traders you can get useful information and contact details from the same website. Click here for the Police web site

Police in Bexley work closely with the local authority and other agencies especially through the Bexley Community Safety Partnership which identifies policing priorities within Bexley Borough and develops and implements the strategies to be used in tackling crime and disorder on a local level.
More information on Police in Bexley

Seasonal Information

Cold weather is especially dangerous for older people or people with serious illnesses. People with heart or respiratory (breathing) problems may have worse symptoms during a cold spell and for several days after temperatures return to normal.
Hot tips for cold snaps