Stalking

It’s important you’re aware of the risks and potential dangers in and around your home. Below are some top tips on how to keep you, your family, your neighbours, and your building safe. 

Home security 

We’ve put together some simple tips to help keep your home and possessions secure. 

Lock doors 

In 70% of burglaries, the offender gained entry through a door. This may sound like a basic measure, but making sure you lock doors when you leave the house out or go to bed makes a burglar’s chance of entering your home much more difficult. Don’t forget to lock your shed, garage and any side and/or back gate. 

Lock windows 

Where window locks are fitted, do keep the keys safe as it’s residents’ responsibility to replace these, and lock windows when not in use, even if you are in for the evening and especially when you are leaving the house or going to bed. 

Lights on 

60% of burglaries take place between 6pm and 6am. Leaving the lights on when you go out in the evening will create the illusion that there’s someone at home and reduce the chance of a potential break in. Consider leaving lights on a timer, leaving the radio playing and ensuring valuables are out of sight. 

Install alarms 

A home without a security system is 300% more likely to be burgled. Installing an alarm in a place where it can be easily seen is an effective visual deterrent. An alarm will alert neighbours of a potential intrusion, giving you peace of mind while you are away from home. 

Hide keys 

Leaving a spare key outside your home under the doormat or flowerpot is extremely risky. If you need to leave a spare key for a forgetful family member, consider a secure key lock box mounted to a wall. 

Insurance 

As we own the building in which you live, we are responsible for insuring it. We arrange building insurance cover through Royal and Sun Alliance (RSA).  

Further information available on this link  household-insurance  

Fire safety 

https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/fire-safety-at-home/fire-safety-advice 

Electrical safety 

Electrical safety in your home 

About 70 deaths and 350,000 injuries in UK homes are caused by faulty electrics and electrical equipment every year. Over half of all accidental house fires are caused by electricity. 

As your landlord, we are required by law to ensure your home’s electrical installation and wiring are safe when you move in and that they are maintained in a safe condition throughout your tenancy. 

We test and inspect all the homes we manage (and any communal areas) at least once every five years and test and inspect properties before re-letting them to new tenants. We also ensure any appliances we supply are safe to use and are CE marked. 

Reporting a problem 

You must let us know about any electrical problems as soon as they occur and we will arrange for an electrician to come to your home. 

Never carry out electrical repairs yourself. 

How to keep you and your home safe 

• Make sure you know where your fuse box is, so you can turn the mains switch off in an emergency 

• Never overload sockets or plug adaptors into other adaptors 

• Maintain any electrical items you bring into your home 

• Ensure plugs and sockets are not visibly damaged and replace if necessary 

• Check visible leads and cables are in good condition and replace if necessary 

• Check light fittings are not visibly damaged and in good condition;  contact us if you think they need repairing or replacing 

• Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment (this instantly turns off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store) 

• Never store combustible materials near the fuse box or the electricity meter 

• Never store anything on top of a microwave 

• Never run cables under carpets or rugs 

• Never take mains-powered electrical items into the bathroom 

• Always switch off electrical items when you are not using them. 

Visit Electrical Safety First for more help and advice, which includes an online socket calculator to check your sockets are safe and a Visual Checks App to help you ensure your home is electrically safe. 

Gas safety 

Gas safety in your home 

I can smell gas what do I do? If you think you can smell gas or fumes: 

Call the National Grid gas emergency call centre on 0800 111 999 

Find out more about what to do in a gas emergency. 

How to keep you and your home safe 

Unless gas appliances are serviced regularly, they can become dangerous and can kill. If your gas appliance has not been checked for 12 months it may be unsafe and you may also be in breach of your Tenancy or lease. 

• Make sure you have an annual gas safety check (LGSR). 

• Check for warning signs your appliances aren’t working correctly eg lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room. 

• Don’t use a gas appliance if you have any doubt that it’s working properly. If in doubt, call the contractor. 

• Know the six signs of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness. 

• Have an audible carbon monoxide alarm. This will alert you if there is carbon monoxide in your home. Our gas engineers are able to supply these when they arrive to complete your gas safety check. 

• Never carry out any gas works yourself. Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer. 

• Make sure you know where to find your gas meter and how to turn off the gas in an emergency. If you are not sure the engineer attending the service can assist you with this. 

• Never block up air ventilation points and ensure that the gas flue is kept clear at all times. 

• Don’t use or store gas cylinders in your home. If you do have a gas cylinder in your home, please make arrangements to have it removed immediately. If you need gas cylinders for medical purposes, please use them strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 

For more gas safety advice, visit the Gas Safe Register website. Alternatively, you can call the free helpline on 0800 408 5500. 

For more information on safety checks and Free price draw regarding Gas, boiler and electrical servicing 

https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/gas-boiler-and-electrical-servicing/safety-checks-and-servicing 

Asbestos safety 

What is asbestos? 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which can be found in rocks all over the world. Asbestos fibres are strong, flexible and have excellent fire proofing and insulating qualities. 

Background   

Asbestos was commonly added to building materials because of these qualities. Most homes built between 1930s and 1990s feature some building products with Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs). Its use in the construction industry was finally banned in the UK in 1999. 

If your home was built after this date, it is very unlikely to contain asbestos. 

The three types of asbestos used in the UK were: 

• Amosite (Brown asbestos) 

• Chrysotile (White asbestos) 

• Crocidolite (Blue asbestos) 

You can’t tell a material contains asbestos with the naked eye which is why samples are examined under a microscope at a laboratory. If you’re not sure if a material contains asbestos, ;  contact us and we can advise. 

 

Where asbestos could be located within residential properties (This diagram/list is not exhaustive). 

f you need to dispose of old items in your home such as cookers that you suspect contain asbestos, please contact your local authority for details on how to remove and dispose of such items. 

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are generally safe if the material is not damaged, and the fibres aren’t disturbed. 

I think I've found damaged asbestos, what do I do? 

• Do not attempt to clean it up or repair it yourself 

• Do not brush or vacuum as this will spread the fibres into the air 

• contact us for advice. 

Carrying out DIY works in your home 

DIY work can result in exposed risk, whilst it may only be brief it could increase over time. This includes drilling, sanding, or sawing which may disturb the materials.  When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. When these fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious diseases. You should inform us  before starting any work, so that we can provide asbestos information. 

More information about the health effects of asbestos exposure can be found on the Health and Safety Executive website. 

Carrying out works which do not fall under DIY 

You should not carry out activities such as jet washing on roofing panels, soffits, downpipes etc that you suspect may contain asbestos. If in doubt, please check with us first so we can advise whether it’s safe to proceed. 

Major Works 

You should ask us for approval if you are planning major work in your home. If you think asbestos is present, we can offer advice. However, if alterations are of your own undertaking, then any costs of removing asbestos if it is found will be yours. Major Works may include removal of fireplaces, removal of floor tiles, removing textured coating to plasterboard etc. 

Decorating 

Some textured ceiling coatings, Artex for example, are known to contain a small quantity of asbestos. Do not attempt to remove them especially with power tools. We can provide advice, so contact us. 

How Thurrock Council Housing manages asbestos in your home 

We have a duty to manage asbestos in the communal areas of our buildings. We also carry out surveys in individual dwellings when a property becomes empty or before our contractors do some types of works in your property. 

We have several options if we find asbestos and will pick the best one for your safety and to ensure any works in your property can be completed: 

• Leave in place - often the best and safest option. 

• Removal - we’ll remove asbestos for essential works to be carried out 

• Encapsulation - this is where a special coating is applied to the material. 

Leaseholders’ responsibilities for asbestos removal 

Please refer to your lease which will inform you of your responsibilities. 

Further information on asbestos is available on the HSE website

Legionnaire's disease  

Legionella are the bacteria which cause Legionnaire's disease, a form of pneumonia. Legionella are found in streams, rivers and lakes. They are also found in soil, compost and mains water and can sometimes enter a home’s water system. 

Is Legionella harmful? 

Low amounts of Legionella are not harmful. Legionella is only dangerous if conditions are right for the bacteria to grow and if you inhale water droplets from a contaminated water system. The bacteria can cause a number of infections, most of which are not serious. However, Legionnaire's Disease is fatal in 10% to 12% of cases. 

Our responsibilities 

We are legally obliged to check for Legionella in some of our buildings, as part of regular checks to ensure water systems are clean and safe to use. 

What you can do 

Legionella rarely occurs in homes, as most households do not store large volumes of water, however there are a few tips to make sure your water is safe: 

• Set the correct water temperature 

Legionella grows between 20°C and 50°C, so where possible set hot water cylinders at 60°C or above. Regular use of cold water should ensure temperatures stay below 20°C. 

• De-scale taps and showers 

Legionella can grow and multiply on scale or rust. So de-scale taps and showers every three months or when there is an obvious build-up of scale (in hard water areas, you may need to do this more often). Brush scale off with a nylon brush or wipe with diluted bleach (follow the instructions on the bottle) or a de-scaling solution. 

• Check the water tank, if you have one 

contact us if the lid is missing or damaged. 

• Use water taps once a week 

This will ensure water doesn’t stand in pipes, if you’ve been away for more than a week run all your taps for a few minutes before using the water. Also run the water in the shower, remove the shower head beforehand so water droplets are not created. If you cannot remove it, cover it with a towel while you run the water. 

Additional guidance can be found in the Approved Code of Practice and guidance for Legionnaire's disease on the Health and Safety Executive website. 

Balcony safety 

Balconies are a great place to relax and enjoy, but it's really important to think about the safety of you, your family (especially young children) and your neighbours.   

Keeping you and your family safe when using a balcony 

• Make sure the balcony door is locked and the keys are hidden when you're not using it. 

• If you have window opening restrictors, please use them. 

• Make sure children are supervised when they are near or on your balcony. 

• Don't allow anyone to lean over, sit or climb on the balcony wall or railing. 

• Never stand on balcony furniture, or try to climb onto another balcony from your balcony. 

• If you have young children, keep your balcony clear of anything they might be able to climb on. 

Preventing balcony fires - know the risks 

• Keep your balcony free from clutter.  Make sure you're not storing anything that could restrict your exit in case of a fire. 

• Never use barbecues (including disposables) on your balcony or store anything flammable eg gas canisters or bags of rubbish. 

• Always ensure cigarettes are put out properly, and never throw ash or cigarette butts over the side.  

Check your balcony regularly to make sure it's safe, and report any damage as soon as possible. 

Communal area safety 

Safety in communal areas 

It’s important to keep communal areas like hallways and stairwells clear. The safety of our residents is our top priority and part of this is making sure that communal areas are managed correctly so they don’t pose a risk in the event of an emergency. 

Our Estate services and Tenancy management team manage the risks in these areas, but inspections are also carried out regularly by Neighbourhood Officers and Technical Services team. We need to make sure your communal areas are not obstructed and are as safe as they can be. This includes hallways, stairwells, concierge areas, and any area within the building that’s used by multiple people. 

Keeping communal areas clear 

Obstructions in communal areas are hazardous. 

• They obstruct you if you need to make a quick escape, and cause injury 

• They could fuel fire, helping them to spread, and making it harder to extinguish 

• They could obstruct emergency services who need to enter the building 

• They are trip hazards even in non-emergency situations. 

It’s vital that communal areas are kept clear at all times. We may write to you to let you know that your communal area is obstructed, and if these are your items, please remove them right away. This could be bikes, prams, or even a build-up of mail. 

Electric meter cupboards 

If there are any electric meter cupboards in your building, we need to keep them clear too. Filling up these cupboards with items also increases the risk of fire starting and spreading.  

Safety while you’re away from home 

Going away on holiday should be a relaxing experience, free from the everyday stresses of home and work, a chance to unwind. To help you to do this we have put together a few top tips to protect your home while you are away. 

• Lock all doors and windows. Use a key on UPVC windows if you have them. 

• Make sure any side and/or back gate is locked. Lock your shed or garage. 

• Don’t leave your car keys or ID documents near doors, windows or your letterbox. 

• Make sure your boiler is turned down low on summer settings. 

• Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances that are not required, apart from your fridge/freezer. 

• Double check all taps around the home are turned off, if possible, you can also turn off the water supply at the stop cock (often located under kitchen sink or by front door) to prevent any escape of water incidents whilst you are away. Don’t forget to turn the stop cock back on when you return. 

• If you know and trust your neighbours, let them know you'll be away. Ask if they'd mind keeping an eye on the property, picking up your mail and putting away your bins 

• Cancel milk/newspapers so they aren't sitting on the doorstep which is a sure sign of an empty house. 

• If you can, set indoor lights to a timer in the evening so it seems like someone is home. 

• Leave curtains and blinds open. If you draw them it looks like no-one is around during the day. Keep them open as you usually would, just make sure all expensive items are out of sight 

• Try not to broadcast the fact you are going away on social media networks. Remember anyone can see that information. 

• Be careful who you tell in general, if you take a taxi to the airport don't mention how long you are away for or share details of where your keys are etc. 

• Make sure your home and its contents are insured. 

For more crime prevention tips and advice on how to make your home secure visit the Police website, or speak to your Community Support Officer. In an emergency, always dial 999. 

Burst pipes and boiler breakdown 

Pipes can freeze when it gets very cold and in some cases burst, causing flooding and damage to homes. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to stop pipes freezing. 

Find the stoptap and check the pipes 

Find out where your stoptap is located. It’s fitted to the pipe bringing water into your home and is often under the kitchen sink, but not always. Also check the pipes – if there are any you think need insulating, please contact us. 

If you have an outside tap, turn off the supply (it should have its own stoptap) and open the tap so that any water in the pipe can drain away. 

Leaving your home? 

If you're planning to go way for more than a day or two, leave the heating on low to prevent the property becoming cold and to prevent to water pipes freezing. 

What to do if a pipe bursts 

Our Housing Technical Services team, explains: 

• Turn off the water at the stoptap. 

• Switch off the electricity at the mains 

• Switch off any water heaters 

• Switch off the central heating 

• Open all taps to sinks and the bath to let the water drain away 

• If possible, collect water in the bath for flushing the toilet and for washing 

• Warn your neighbours if there is a chance they may be affected 

• If it's an internal pipe, call us on 0800 074 0169. 

In the highly unlikely event that a mains pipe freezes, or for any other issues, please contact your local water company. 

What to do if your boiler stops working 

If there's an extended period of cold weather some people experience issues heating and hot water not working. A large number of these issues are caused by frozen external pipes which cause the boiler to stop working and, in many cases, this can be rectified simply by following the guidance available on Central Heating checks | DIY Video 

If you're a homeowner or Leaseholder and have a leak coming from your property, it's your responsibility to get this fixed. Failure to do so could affect your lease with us, and you could be liable to remedial cost of other properties or communal areas damaged by the leak. If you think the leak is our responsibility, please get in touch with our Home Ownership Team Email:  homeownership@thurrock.gov.uk. 

E-bike and e-scooter safety 

Please remember when charging at home, you do so safely to avoid the risk of a fire starting, putting you, your home and neighbours’ homes at risk. 

E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular. Most are powered by lithium-ion batteries. Fire services and fire investigators have already seen a rise in e-bike and e-scooter battery fires. 

Firefighters have been called to more than 130 fires involving the type of batteries used in in e-bikes and e-scooters in Essex in just over a year. More information is available on Essex fire safety advice on e-scooters/bikes  

Batteries can ‘explode’ and lead to a rapidly developing fire. The incorrect disposal of lithium-ion batteries in general household and recycling waste can also lead to significant waste fires.   

Here are some important safety tips around e-bikes and e-scooters: 

Charging 

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging and always unplug your charger when finished 

• Ensure you have working smoke alarms 

• Don’t leave batteries to charge while you are asleep or away from home 

• Always use the manufacturer approved charger. If you spot any signs of damage, buy an official replacement from a reputable seller 

• Don’t cover chargers or battery packs when charging as this could lead to overheating or a fire 

• Don’t charge batteries or store your e-bike or e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials 

• Don’t overcharge your battery – check the manufacturer’s instructions for charge times 

• Don’t overload socket outlets or use inappropriate extension leads 

• In the event of an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire, don’t attempt to extinguish the fire. Get out and call 999. 

Storage 

• Avoid storing or charging e-bikes and e-scooters on escape routes or in communal areas 

• Store e-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries in a cool place. Avoid storing them in excessively hot or cold areas 

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for the storage and maintenance of lithium. 

Buying 

• Buy e-bikes, e-scooters, chargers and batteries from reputable retailers 

• Many fires involve counterfeit electrical goods. Items which don’t meet British or European standards pose a huge fire risk 

• If you are buying an e-bike conversion kit, purchase from a reputable seller and check that it complies with British or European standards. Take particular care if buying from online platforms. Also be aware that if buying separate components, you should check that they’re compatible 

• Register your product with the manufacturer to validate any warranties 

• Check any products you have bought are not subject to a product recall: Electrical Safety First’s website (Product Recalls & Safety Notices). 

Damage and disposal 

• Check your battery regularly for any signs of damage. If damaged, it should be replaced and shouldn't be used or charged – damaged batteries can overheat and catch fire without warning. 

• If you need to dispose of a damaged or end of life battery, don’t dispose of it in your household waste or normal recycling. These batteries, when punctured or crushed, can cause fires in bin lorries, recycling and waste centres. Your e-bike or e-scooter manufacturer may offer a recycling service. Alternatively, check with your local authority for suitable battery recycling arrangements  

Finally 

• Enjoy and ride your e-bike or e-scooter safely, ensuring you are riding within the law. See further information on the Gov.uk website: e-bike rules and for e-scooters. 

Building safety 

New Link page to add 

Damp, condensation and mould 

Update or replace with this new content: https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/damp-and-mould/overview  

What is damp and mould? 

What is dampness? 

Dampness can originate from: 

• Leaking pipes, wastes, drainage and overflows 

• Rainwater from defective roof coverings, blocked or leaking gutters and broken pipes 

• Penetrating dampness around windows, through walls and due to raised ground levels 

• Rising damp due to lack of, or no effective, damp proof course 

‘Condensation dampness’ is a condition that affects many homes and has probably become the major cause of ‘environmental’ dampness within a property. Condensation is particularly common in homes which are poorly heated and poorly insulated and usually gets worse in the colder winter months i.e. ’the condensation season’. 

What is condensation? 

There is always some moisture in the air, even if you cannot see it. If the air gets colder, it cannot hold all the moisture and tiny drops of water appear. This is condensation. You also notice it when you see your breath on a cold day, or when the mirror mists over when you have a bath. 

Condensation can often develop in kitchens and bathrooms. Moisture is released into the air through normal daily activities in these areas such as washing, cooking, drying clothes, showering and bathing. Condensation can occur commonly on windows or external walls, or cold surfaces within the fabric of the property. Look for it in corners, on or near windows, in or behind wardrobes and cupboards. It often forms on north-facing walls. 

What is mould? 

The development of mould growth is the most tell-tale sign that is frequently associated with damp and condensation. The appearance of mould may be black, white, yellow or green in colour, depending on the specific type of mould and the surface that it grows on. Black spot mould for example, forms pyramid shapes in wall corners and at wall/floor or wall/ceiling margins where the walls are damp. Tiny spores produced by the mould and the higher numbers of dust mites due to the moist conditions can increase the risk of asthma and respiratory illnesses in some people. 

What can I do? 

There are five steps you can take to tackle damp and mould in your home: 

1. Safely clean the mould in the affected area 

2. Protect your belongings by keeping them away from the area if possible 

3. Keep track of the growth of the damp and mould and take “before and after” pictures 

4. Report the damp and mould to your landlord 

5. Prevent condensation in your home 

Have a look at our leaflet for advice and information  

Help for Council Tenants  

If there is any sign of excessive mould in your home, you must report it to our repairs service immediately so a full assessment to be undertaken. 

You can also contact our repairs service if you need support in managing signs of mould within your home. 

Help for tenants in privately rented accommodation 

Thurrock Council has a dedicated Private Sector Housing team who will provide support and advice to all tenants living in privately rented properties. 

The Council has powers under the Housing Act 2004 to deal with disrepair issues, including damp and mould issues, in privately rented properties where landlords have failed to act. For More information, please visit private-housing team page  

If you would like support, advice, or more information about the help available, you can contact our Private Sector Housing team and request Well Homes visit https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/well-homes .