Home Safety

• We know that burglars target student houses. It is a burglars heaven because of the multiple numbers of electronic equipment. Disguise the fact that it is a student house. Keep windows free of posters and windows free of obvious signs it’s a student property.

• Make sure you lock your doors and windows. A third of all burglars get in through a window. The vast majority of student burglaries are by opportunists who simply check to see if your door is open. They quickly run in and out, 30 seconds is all it takes.

• Don’t leave your keys under a mat or dangling inside the letterbox – burglars are familiar with this.

• Be mindful of people requesting entry to your house. Some ‘distraction burglars’ claim to offer a service under false pretences to steal your valuables. Check I.D and don’t be afraid to say you want to call the relevant agency to check they have sent the person calling.

• Be aware of door to door sales. Some companies knock soon after you’ve moved in with various offers and can be quite pushy. Use your common sense and don’t hand over any bank or personal details. Ask to read over the information and insist on time to consult your other housemates.

• Front/Rear doors. Many doors (especially UPVC doors) need to be locked with a key when you leave your home. They do not automatically lock when pulled shut. Burglars and opportunists check such doors. Even if you are at home make it a habit to lock the door.

• Remove items in the garden which can be used to force entry.

Carbon Monoxide alarms/warning

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can be fatal. CO is produced when carbon fuels don’t burn completely. It has no smell or taste.

You should have a safety certificate from your landlord. And the law states that your landlord should check the appliances in your home every year. Has your landlord fitted a CO alarm? If not ask for one to be fitted or get one yourself. www.co-awareness.org

Awareness, Symptoms, check list for CO Leaks click here