Safety and Emergency

What can I do to protect my home against fire?

There are lots of simple safety precautions you can take to help reduce the risk of fire in your home:

  • Always keep fire doors shut, and keep exit routes clear.
  • Bicycles should not be chained to handrails on the stairways left in the corridors or in the main entrance area.
  • Residents should not leave any obstructions in the corridors or stairwells.
  • Do not overload sockets.
  • Install Battery Fire Alarms in all of your rooms.
  • It is forbidden to use or keep bottled gas (liquid petroleum gas) anywhere on your property. This includes inside your flat and on your balcony.
  • For health and safety reason and to comply with the terms & condition of the tenancy or leasehold agreement: it is totally forbidden to have a BBQ on the grounds of the estate.

What to do if there is a gas leak in my home?

If you think you may have a gas leak or can smell gas you should follow these simple steps:

  • Open the doors and windows for ventilation.
  • Ensure that all gas appliances are switched off.
  • If you can still smell gas, turn the gas supply off at the meter and phone the gas emergency service: National Grid Gas Emergency (formerly Transco) on: 0800 111 999
  • Make sure you know where your gas meter and the main gas supply tap is. If in doubt, ask at the office.

If there is a strong smell of gas when you enter the front door, do not go inside. Gently close the door and telephone the gas company.

  • Do not use matches or naked flames or smoke.
  • Do not turn any electrical switches on or off.

What to do if my electricity goes off?

  • If only your home is affected, check the main fuse box to see whether the trip switch has turned your supply off. Modern fuse boxes have a tripping mechanism instead of ‘blowing’ a fuse it automatically switches off.
  • If you cannot find the cause of the problem call Wimbledon Park office

Water

Know where your mains stopcock is for turning water off in an emergency. It is usually in the bathroom or the kitchen. This should be the first thing you do in the event of water flooding. Contact the Estate Office if you are unsure where this is.

Condensation

What is condensation and how can I prevent it?

Condensation is caused by too much moisture and not enough ventilation. Here are a few simple steps that you can take to reduce condensation:

  • Leave the windows open when you are cooking or taking a bath.
  • Do not block air vents or extractor fans.
  • Make sure tumble dryers are properly installed and have ventilation.
  • Keep a constant temperature in all rooms during winter.
  • Avoid drying your clothes on radiators without proper ventilation.
  • Consider investing in a dehumidifer.

Emergency out of hours repairs

If you have an emergency repair such as a major pipe burst or a repair that presents a danger to persons, you can contact the Wandsworth Housing Patrol service on 020 8871 7490. The Housing Patrol will arrange for a contractor to “make safe” the problem until the Wimbledon Park Estate Office is open, when the repair will be carried out during normal working hours.

Please note this service is for emergencies ONLY. The Estate will be charged by Wandsworth Borough Council for this service. If you repeatedly call Housing Patrol for non-emergency repairs, you will be charged for using this service.

What is not an emergency?

A blocked sink, a toilet that will not flush or a leak. Please do not call the emergency number for repairs of this sort. These are not emergencies, and will be attended to the next working day by Wimbledon Park staff.

Know who is entering your home

Please note all Wimbledon Park staff carry photo identification; please be careful whom you let into your property. Occasionally we are required to use outside contractors. If you are unsure that someone is genuine, please ask to see their ID or phone the Estate Office.

Pest Control

If you find any cockroaches, mice or rats, or wasp nests in or near your home, please report it immediately to the Estate Office. It is very important that pests are eliminated. Please ensure that when an appointment is made, the contractor is allowed access.