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11th October 2024
Keeping our residents safe in their homes
At Karibu, resident safety is at the heart of everything we do. From regular maintenance to proactive safety checks, we’re committed to ensuring your home is secure and safe. Here’s a look at the work we have undertaken this year, our current areas of focus, and our plans for the coming months.
Keeping you and our buildings safe
We conduct a range of safety activities in order to keep you safe including:
- Gas Safety: Our dedicated contractor, K&T, conducts annual gas inspections, ensuring your gas supply works safely without leaks. Residents receive booking letters, making it easy to arrange or reschedule visits to suit their convenience. We’re here for any concerns you have, and Cadent is still available 24/7 for emergencies on 0800 111 999.
- Electrical Safety: Every five years, we arrange a full electrical safety test to ensure your home’s electrical systems are in excellent condition. From sockets to wiring, our inspections help prevent wear and tear from becoming a hazard we also check and test communal electrical systems.
- Fire Door Checks: Annual fire door inspections have become standard for all flats, aligning with updated legislation. Partnering with our external specialist contractor, we conduct full surveys and arrange any necessary repairs, ensuring these doors offer maximum protection.
- Asbestos Management: We routinely inspect known asbestos areas in both communal and within homes, addressing and managing any issues that arise. Asbestos is safe if undisturbed, but we take proactive steps to ensure it stays in good condition.
Ongoing Safety Measures
Keeping you safe means staying vigilant and proactive. Here’s what we’re focusing on currently:
- Alarms: We encourage residents to regularly test smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms. If you notice any issues or hear a beeping sound indicating low battery, please contact us for support and for those properties with a gas supply these are tested on annual a basis when conducting landlord gas inspections.
- Communal Safety Features: Our monthly checks cover communal lighting, fire doors, fire panels, smoke vents, and dry risers. These inspections ensure shared spaces are well-lit and prepared for emergencies. We also provide automatic opening vents (AOVs) to improve airflow in case of smoke. Should you notice any faults, please inform us at once.
- Water Safety (Legionella): Routine water checks and maintenance are carried out to prevent the risk of Legionella bacteria. These checks ensure water systems stay safe and free from contamination, safeguarding your family’s health.
Our safety plans for the next three months
Looking forward, we are prioritising several key initiatives to enhance safety even further:
- Enhanced Resident Communication: We plan to introduce reminders and updates for routine checks and maintenance, making it easier for you to stay informed.
- Extra Communal Fire Door Inspections: Given the importance of fire safety, we’ll be doubling our inspection frequency in communal areas. This means quicker response times and more regular updates to ensure all fire doors function flawlessly.
- Educational Initiatives: In the coming months, we’ll be sharing safety tips, from proper appliance use to fire prevention strategies. By working together, we can make our homes even safer.
Safety tips for your home
Your safety is our priority, and we encourage everyone to play a part in keeping a secure home environment. Here are a few reminders:
- Appliance Use: Avoid leaving appliances on when not at home and try to unplug items when not in use to prevent overheating or accidental fires.
- Clear Escape Routes: Keep corridors and exits free from clutter to ensure you and your loved ones and other residents can exit quickly if needed.
- Mindful Cooking and Candles: Never leave cooking unattended, and always extinguish candles before going to bed or leaving the room.
- BBQs and Smoking: Refrain from using BBQs on balconies and remember not to smoke in communal spaces to avoid triggering alarms.
Together, let’s keep our community a safe and welcoming space for all. If you have questions or need help, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!
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