Keeping your home safe this summer

Whether you’re enjoying a BBQ, relaxing on your balcony, or tending to your garden, follow our simple tips to keep yourself and your home safe.

Enjoy your balcony the safe way

Avoid keeping these items on your balcony:

• BBQs, flammable or wooden items.
• Bags of rubbish, oil or cooking tools.
• Fridges, dryers, electrical appliances, large furniture, patio heaters or gas cans.
• Motorbikes, e-bikes or lithium battery items.
• Children’s play equipment or permanent structures.

Fancy a BBQ?

• Use your BBQ outside in a place with good air flow. Don’t use it on a balcony or indoors.
• Keep your BBQ away from fences, sheds, bushes and any garden waste.
• Have a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies.
• Make sure your BBQ is completely out when you’re done, turn off and safely remove the gas bottle.
• Wait for ashes to cool down completely before throwing them away or placing disposable BBQs in the bin.

Prevent fires on windowsills and balconies

• Take away any glass or shiny objects from your windowsill or balcony – sunlight can make them hot enough to start a fire.
• Never leave candles or cigarettes unattended, and make sure they are completely out before you leave them.

Fire safety in your garden

• Get rid of any fire hazards around your home, like wood piles, fallen trees and other debris.
• Keep your grass short, ideally no more than three inches tall. If you need help with your garden, call our Customer Support Team on 0800 218 2000.
• Make sure trees, shrubs and plants are not touching power lines or cables. If you’re worried, ask your power or communications provider for advice.

Smoke alarms save lives

• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month to make sure they are working properly.
• If you have any issues with your smoke or heat alarms, please contact us on 0800 218 2000.
• If your alarm starts to bleep, it may have developed a fault or simply need new batteries, so please let us know if this happens.