May 2024 customer update

Welcome to your May update. This month we share important electrical safety advice to help keep you and your loved ones safe. We also look at antisocial behaviour and ways to spot a scam.?

Please note that our offices will be closed until 2pm on Thursday 20 June for a staff event. In an emergency during this time, you can call us on 01225 715 715

Electrical safety in your home

Did you know that over half of the accidental domestic fires in the UK are caused by electricity? Most of these are caused by faulty or misused electrical products and most begin in the kitchen. Here are a few tips to keep your home and loved ones safe from electrical fires.?

Let us carry out electrical inspections: every 5 years we will ask to inspect and test the electrical installation in your home, including any equipment we own, to ensure it is safe and meets relevant regulations - this is known as an EICR. As your landlord we are legally required to carry out this periodic check, and it’s essential to make sure your home is safe.?

Don’t overload adaptors by plugging many appliances into one socket, especially those with high electrical current rating such as kettles, irons, and heaters.?

Check appliance cables aren’t damaged and the plug is fastened securely to the cable. Regularly check plugs and sockets for burn marks, crackling sounds or if it feels hot to touch.?

Don’t DIY – any electrical works must be carried out by a qualified electrician. If you need to make alterations to electrical wiring, please contact us to discuss as you’ll need our permission.?

• Check your smoke alarms are working by pressing the ‘test’ button regularly. Contact us straight away if they aren’t working. You should also devise and practise escape plans in the event of a fire in your home.?
• Only buy electrical goods including e-bikes and e-scooters from a retailer you trust and follow manufacturer’s instructions when installing. Find out how to spot substandard electrical products online in this ‘Don’t be electricked’ article.?
• Turn off appliances when you’re not using them and don’t leave your washing machine or tumble dryer on if you’re out of the house or overnight. These tumble dryer safety measures can help you stay safe. You can also check whether an appliance has had a safety recall using Electrical Safety First’s electrical product checker.?
• Only charge e-bikes, e-scooters, mobile phones and other appliances with lithium-ion batteries when you are awake and never overnight while you’re sleeping. Use the correct charger and don't charge or store your battery in the hallway where it could block your escape.?Read Fire England's advice on how to keep your home safe when charging your e-bike or e-scooter or watch their 'Fire Kills' video. You can also find safety tips about lithium-ion battery safety on our website.?

Visit Electrical Safety First for more information about protecting your family and keeping your home safe from electrical fires.??

Health & wellbeing support

Our website includes details of local and national organisations offering general health and wellbeing support.

This includes resources for mental health,?later life, and independent living.

If you're struggling with any aspect of health and wellbeing, your neighbourhood manager can offer advice on support services and may be able to refer you to services.?

Is it a scam?

Customers sometimes contact us to ask?if a call or text they?received claiming to be Selwood Housing was genuine.? ?

Unfortunately, there are a growing number of scams where the caller claims to be a member of staff at an organisation. Criminals might use this tactic to trick people into sharing personal details like passwords over the phone, or to persuade them to click?a website link to make a payment.? ?

Selwood Housing?will never send a text message asking you to make a payment, so please do not click any links - simply delete the message.?

If?you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from Selwood Housing, please?hang?up. To check?whether?the call was genuine, contact our?customer support team?who can advise further.?? ?

Unexpected?visit to your home from a utility company??Always insist on seeing official ID and if the visitor?can't supply it, ask them to leave.?You can also check if the company has a permanent business address and landline phone number. Report any suspicious incidents to the police.?

Any visits to your home by our repairs and maintenance team?will always be?pre-booked by our planning team and confirmed with you in advance.?All our?staff members are required to wear an official Selwood Housing ID badge when visiting customers.??

Action Fraud?has further?useful tips about reducing your risk of doorstep fraud.??

Make a difference

Getting involved at Selwood Housing means our customers can influence services and make a real difference.

We have many opportunities for customers to get involved. Previous experience isn't necessary and we often offer rewards in return.?

Would you like to get involved? Find out more on our website