Advice and information on keeping safe and well in your home.
Falls
The NHS provides advice on how to prevent falls at home.
Age UK provides advice and various leaflets on preventing falls.
Scams and bogus callers
If you think that you have been the victim of a scam, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506 or contact Action Fraud.
Age UK has information aimed at older people on how to avoid being a victim of scams and and on general crime prevention.
The Mailing Preference Service and the Telephone Preference Service provide advice on how to stop unwanted junk mail, unwanted marketing and other calls.
Try to do business with a reputable company that is approved by Trading Standards. You can search for businesses on the Buy with Confidence website.
Home security
CrimeStoppers has information on crime prevention and how to avoid becoming a victim of crime.
The Essex Police gives advice on home security.
You can search for local suppliers of alarms and security equipment on the Buy with Confidence website. The suppliers are all approved by Trading Standards.
Fire safety
In case of a fire emergency, phone the fire brigade on 999.
GOV.UK has advice about preventing fires in the home.
You can ask the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service for a free fire safety check for your home. Book the visit.
Accidental gas poisoning
If you think you smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency Service 24 hours-a-day on 0800 111 999.
The Gas Safe Register provide tips on all aspects of gas safety at home.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which can be emitted from gas heating appliances. Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector.
The NHS has guidance on how to prevent Carbon monoxide poisoning.
Clutter and hoarding
Large amounts of clutter in the home can become hazardous to your health and safety.
Essex Floating Support Service can offer advice relating to clutter or hoarding. This is a free service offered to vulnerable people who need support with housing related issues.
Essex Floating Support Service
To access this service, visit the Outreach Support section of the Peabody website.
Alternatively, you can contact Peabody by:
- calling 0800 288 8883
- emailing efsco-ordinator@peabody.org.uk
Damp and mould
The NHS gives advice on how to get rid of damp and mould.
Cold weather
You must keep warm during the winter as cold weather can affect your health. The NHS gives advice on staying well during winter.
If you are elderly and struggling to pay your heating bills, you may qualify for Winter Fuel Payment.
Pest control
The British Pest Control Association gives information and advice on pest problems.
Illegal lending
Loan sharks are illegal moneylenders that often charge very high interest rates.
The Stop Loan Sharks organisation offer specialist advice to people who have been the victims of illegal loan sharks.