The Newsletter of Yorkhill Housing Association Ltd …yorkhillha.org/uploads/2014-01-14-12-21-40-yorkhillspring13newpdf... · The Newsletter of Yorkhill Housing Association Ltd SPrING

The Newsletter of Yorkhill Housing Association Ltd

SPrING 2013

Phase 1 of the window replacement scheme has been completed. Hastie Street and almost all properties in Old Dumbarton Road now have new windows.

The programme has been reviewed to include the oldest windows in the next phase.

During 2013-14, we will aim to complete all of Blantyre Street and Regent Moray Street. Surveys are currently underway in Blantyre Street and we hope to be on site with the first batch in July.

The next stage will be 5 – 39 Regent Moray Street, possibly around early autumn. Towards the end of the financial year the phase will be completed with 6 – 36 Regent Moray Street.

All owners within these properties will be invited to participate when the contracts are in the planning

stage. For contractual and legal

reasons we can not include

owners outwith the contractual

programmes.

Elsewhere in the area, we may include window replacements as part of other major works. Residents affected by these contracts will be contacted directly.

Phase 1: Window Replacement Scheme Completed

INSIDE: Welfare Reform • Energy Saving Advice • Fire Safety Update

2 Yorkhill News Spring 2013

As reported in our last newsletter, a reduction in housing benefit entitlement commonly referred to as the ‘bedroom tax’ was introduced by the Westminster Government on 1st April 2013 for tenants of social housing. This means that any working age tenant in receipt of housing benefit living in a property too big for the size of their household will have their housing benefit cut by either 14% for one extra bedroom or 25% for two or more bedrooms. The occupancy definitions are as decided by the Department of Works and Pensions and will be applied strictly, regardless of local or individual circumstances.

The rules allow one bedroom for

• Anadultcouple

• Anadultaged16orabove

• Onechildortwochildrenofthesamegenderunder 16

• Anytwochildrenunder10

The Association’s Housing Management staff have been in discussion with tenants affected to find out how many would prefer to move rather

than fund the shortfall in rent.

Twenty tenants have chosen to remain in their homes and pay the benefit shortfall. Ten have requested a move to smaller accommodation. So far, we have managed to rehouse three tenants to suitable properties.

OurWelfareRightsOfficer,StephenFallonishelping the seven tenants still waiting for a transfer to apply for temporary discretionary benefit.Ourturnoverofflatsislow,andwemaynot be in a position to provide everyone with suitable housing for months or even years. We do not know yet if these claims for discretionary benefit will be successful; in the meantime affected tenants will have to start paying the difference from 1st April.

If you think you may be affected by this reduction in housing benefit but have not yet been contacted by the Association, please contact Rhona, Michelle or Laura Ann at the office as soon as possible to discuss your circumstances further.

Welfare Reform Act 2012

Universal Credit is to be phased in between October 2013 and October 2017. This will affect a significant number of our tenants..

Universal Credit is one single benefit payment that will replace other individual benefits that may currently be paid at different times of the month. These include:

Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Employment Support Allowance.

Housing Management staff will be contacting all those affected in the coming months. However, if you have particular concerns, there is no need for you to wait for us to contact you, please feel free to call into the office

to see one of the Housing Management Staff.

Unfortunately we do not have the resources to provide direct assistance to private sector tenants that may require benefit advice. We can make referrals to appropriate agencies, so please contact the office for further information if you are a tenant of a private landlord and need some advice.

What’s Next?

Maintenance of the back courts is a shared responsibility between tenants, owners and the Association. Residents are encouraged to customise their common spaces to suit the wishes and tastes of occupants, bearing in mind that day to day maintenance of cultivated areas is the responsibility of the residents. As demonstrated by the photographs, back courts vary considerably in shape and size. Some contain planted areas providing residents with a more pleasant outdoor environment to enjoy while others are used purely as functional spaces with little or no cultivation. There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ choice, but whether the vicinity is soft or hard landscaped, residents are expected to keep the area free of loose refuse and other hazards.

The Association will support residents who wish to improve the appearance of their back court or add a facility. We have a small environmental budget which means that some minor improvements can be provided at no additional cost to owners, for example bedding plants or bird boxes.

The cost of more expensive enhancements such as cycle racks or permanent planters would require to be shared between the Association and owners. Not all back courts are suitable for all improvements; any request for improvements will have to be assessed according to the layout and structure of the area concerned. All residents within a specific property will be

consulted in advance of proposed environmental improvement work to ensure that the majority support the proposals.

During the spring and summer seasons, the Association undertakes landscaping services to keep plant and weed growth under control and to avoid any potential damage from overgrown treesorshrubs.Ownerscontributeto the cost of this work. Between the contractor’s monthly visits we would expect residents to tend to plants and generally keep the area clean and tidy.

As a matter of policy, the Association will not undertake work that will cause disruption to birds during nesting seasons. Any such work that is identified will be postponed until the risk has passed. We fully appreciate the value of trees and natural wildlife, but also have to consider the long term damaging impact of certain tree species on adjoining properties. Accordingly, a decision was taken recently to remove five conifers from one back court and replace them with more suitable

species. As it is possible that these trees are currently in use as nesting sites, they will not be removed until later in the year. There are no plans at present to remove any other trees in the area as the routine scheduled pruning is considered an adequate method of controlling the types of species involved.

We are fortunate in Yorkhill to have a wide range of open spaces and parkland nearby allowing a variety of wild birds to continue to nest in the future. The abundance of these natural habitats ensures that our feathered friends are not reliant on tenement environments to build their homes.

We also expect that the contractors are allowed to carry out their work without interference from any resident. No owner or tenant has the right to harass or attempt to restrain workmen that are following instructions from Yorkhill Housing Association. Concerns about such work must be addressed directly to the Association.

Improving the Environment

Yorkhill News Spring 2013 3


1. McCulloch Street – Pollokshields

2ndfloor5apt–requires4aptanyareaandanyfloorlevel considered.

2. Slatefield - Lennoxtown

3apt, 4 in a block – requires a 3apt in the West End, any floorlevelconsidered.

3. Derby Street - Finnieston

2ndfloor4apt–requires3apt in Yorkhill. 1st or 2nd floorpreferable.

4. St Vincent Street - Anderson

Groundfloor3apt–requiresa 4apt in the West End, any floorlevelconsidered.

5. Dunn Street - Dalmuir

3rdfloor3apt–requiresa3or 4apt in the West End, any floorlevelconsidered.

6. Kilinside Road - Paisley

2ndfloor3apt–requires2aptinWestEnd.Topfloornot considered.

7. Newcook Drive - Pollokshields

Groundfloor2apt–requiresgroundfloor2aptintheWest End.

8. Berkeley Street - Finnieston

Groundfloor3apt–requiresa 4apt in the West End.

9. Knightswood Road - Knightswood

Main door 3apt – requires groundor1stfloor2aptinYorkhill.

10. Cumlodden Drive - Maryhill

Main door 4apt – requires a 2apt in West End. Preferably onthe2ndfloor.

11. Curle Street - Whiteinch

Groundfloor2apt–requires2apt,anyfloorconsidered,Yorkhill, Partick or City Centre

12. Beith Street, Partick

1stfloor2apt–requires3aptinWestEnd.Anyfloorconsidered.

Looking for a move? If your current accommodation is no longer suitable for your needs you may well be on our transfer list waiting to be offered a smaller or larger flat in the area.

OurtransferlistisonlyforYHAtenants who have requested a move to another YHA property. We are unable to arrange transfers to properties owned by other landlords.

At 31st March 2013 the number of our tenants awaiting a local transfer was 61:

Size No. on Required Transfer list

2 apt 33

3 apt 13

4/5 apt 15

Going on the transfer list does not guarantee an offer, especially if you require a property with three or four bedrooms. There are simply not enough of these in Yorkhill and it is several years since we last had a 4 or5apartmentflatavailablefor letting. Transfers are only part of our waiting lists; we also have direct applicants and homelessness referrals to consider.

The table below shows the number of transfers between 2010 and 2013:

2010 2011 2012 2013

2apt 4 7 5 7

3apt 1 6 2 6

For some households, a mutual exchange might be an option to consider. This is a straight swap between two or more social housing tenants. The landlords concerned need to give permission but this is not generally refused if:

- The rent accounts are clear

- The property sizes are compatible with the households moving in

- There are no ongoing legal disputes between the tenant and landlord

A YHA tenant may swap with another YHA tenant or a tenant of another social landlord outwith the area. The properties are taken ‘as seen’ by the participating tenants.

Some examples of current mutual exchange requests on our register are below; if you would like further information please contact Laura Ann or Michelle at the office.


Moving house is not always the only option when requirements change. The Scottish Government has a fund for the cost of medical adaptations that help people stay in their own homes.

Examples of work that can be undertaken are:

• Bathorshowerrails

• Handrails

• Walk-inShowers

In Glasgow, the fund for medical adaptations is administered on the Scottish Government’s behalf by Glasgow City Council. Adaptations can be made for residents of all ages, in social and private housing. In all cases, an application first has to be made to SocialServicesandanOccupational

Therapist has to carry out an assessment of the specific needs of the individual.

The process for private tenants or owners is described in detail on these websites:

http://www.glasgow.gov.uk

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications

If you do not have access to the internet, you can contact the local Social Work office for information. Contact details are below.

Medical Adaptations

The Association receives an annual grant sum for adaptations from Glasgow City Council. Typically, it is enough for four or five adaptations in one year.

The tenant will approach the local Social Work office, often with GP or hospital support. It may be the tenant or a household member that needs the adaptation. An application will be made.

An occupational therapist will carry out a home visit to assess the property and identify what kind of adaptations or equipment are appropriate for the person’s needs. There can be quite a long wait for this

visit as there is a high demand forOTservices.

Oncetheoccupationaltherapisthas made an assessment, if work is required, a copy of the report will be passed to Yorkhill Housing Association. The Association will then inspect the property to determine whether or not the required adaptation can be undertaken. It is not always practically possibletocarryoutanOT’srecommendation. Where the adaptation cannot be arranged, the tenant would receive priority for a transfer to more suitable accommodation when available.

If the property is suitable and there is still funding available

from the adaptation budget, YHA staff will make appropriate arrangements to have the work undertaken as soon as possible, usually within a few weeks. If there is no funding available, the occupational therapist would be advised and the project placed on hold until further grant is received from the City Council.

Yorkhill’s local office for Social Work services is at 35 Church Street, Glasgow G11 5JT. Tel 0141 276 3112

Here’s how it works for YHA tenants:

Ongoing Major works are about to commence at 1349 Argyle Street including roof repairs and renewal of several stone mullions to the front elevation. Owners in this property have been consulted regarding these works and agreement reached to commence in the near future.

Anticipated The Association is now required to obtain costs for an increasing amount of major repairs/renewals to roofs, gutters, skews and chimneys in Yorkhill as a result of common roofs being around 30 years since renewal. In many cases, bitumen and felt areas are past their expected lifespan and are in need of renewal.

The Association has successfully replaced these components during renewals using liquid plastic which encapsulates the areas as a cheaper alternative to lead. Boss chimney render has also been problematic in many blocks and is being addressed.

Overthenext12monthstheAssociation will be looked at

the following properties where essential major roof upgrading works have been identified .

•1211ArgyleStreet

•1221-1231ArgyleStreet

•1243ArgyleStreet

•1359ArgyleStreetand20Hastie Street

•94OldDumbartonRoad/5Regent Moray Street

Consultation with all owners involved will commence once details of anticipated work requirements and costs for works are known.

Any major works to common properties have a considerable financial impact on owners and the Association. While YHA will try to assist owners in allowing a short time to pay for works, owners must accept that they have a joint responsibility in maintaining their building. It is not possible for the factor to subsidise the cost of major works, but we will assist owners to investigate grant funding where appropriate. Grants are not available to private landlords or commercial owners.

MAJOR REPAIRS TO COMMON PROPERTIES


Cyclical Safety Check and Re-certification of Roof AnchorsThe Association will be carrying out the annual safety check and re-certification of all roof anchors during August – September 2013. These checks ensure compliance with appropriate health and safety regulations for the protection of all operatives using anchors to carry out work on roofs.

The photograph shows Robert from the Association’s maintenance team measuring up for a roof repair using ropes and harness. This is a procedure requiring two people and specialist training. Both Tom McConville and Robert Calvert successfully completed a certificated roof safety course in 2011.

This allows them to inspect roofs before and after repairs to ensure the Association and residents receive a high standard of service from contractors.

QUALITY CONTROL


The Association is very conscious of the need to ensure our heating systems are as energy efficient as possible. We regularly review the systems we install to make sure that our tenants can benefit from developments in technology that will help to keep costs down. We are also progressing our window replacement programme as quickly as we can so that old draughty windows are replaced with modern efficient ones that cut out noise and heat loss.

Unfortunately, we have no control over fuel prices. The major suppliers have an obligation to provide

appropriate advice to consumers and to provide a range of tariffs to suit the way individual households use their gas and electricity. Your supplier will have a Customer Services number on your correspondence that you can contact for more information.

There are also organisations that will provide free advice on how you can save energy and at the same time cut carbon emissions.

Visit the Energy Saving Trust’s website on http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland

You can also phone an Energy Saving Scotland advice centre on 0800 512 012.

For free energy advice in your home contact Glasgow Home Energy Advice Team (G-Heat):

Phone: 0800 092 9002 Email: [email protected]

Energy Saving AdviceThis winter has been long, wet and sometimes very cold. The obvious advice to everyone in winter weather is to keep warm indoors, particularly if you have health problems or are elderly. However, the price of gas and electricity means that many tenants are worried about the cost of keeping warm. Tenement buildings can be extremely challenging to insulate against heat loss and many residents feel that no matter what they do, their home is never warm and their bills are always high.

GAS CENTRAL HEATING SERVICING All owners of housing properties factored by the Association have been contacted and offered the option of taking part in the Gas Central Heating Servicing programme for 2013-14. This contract is between YHA Ltd and James Frew/ GasSure. Many owners have responded to this correspondence and taken up the option.

For any owner not taking part in the Association’s scheme for 2013-14 we would highly recommend that they arrange for an alternative safety check and gas service of their boiler and appliances. Private landlords

are legally obliged to carry out an annual safety check of gas appliances. These checks must be undertaken by properly qualified engineers who will produce a safety certificate confirming the inspection has complied with current regulations.

Tenants of the Association are reminded that as a condition of tenancy, access must be given to allow gas servicing at least once a year. If you are notified of an appointment that is unsuitable, contact the Association as soon as possible for another date. Help us to keep you and your neighbours safe.

What’s been happening at the Sheltered Complex?

Regular consultation with residents at the sheltered complex to discuss improvements and share ideas for social activities has had huge benefits in terms of their health and wellbeing.

Recently, tenants have been enjoying pampering sessions with a range of de- stressing complementary therapies such asReflexology,IndianHeadMassage, Reiki and Shiatsu.

A huge thanks to the Annexe Communities, Partick for delivering such an enjoyable programme over six weeks.

The Yorkie Club (social committee) social nights continue to be a success with residents recently

enjoying a fun filled St Patrick’s Night.


What’s been happening at the Sheltered Complex?

All tenants

are encouraged to

attend their monthly

committee meetings where

new developments and

improvements are discussed.

Residents’ opinions are a

valuable and essential

part of the planning

process.

In the last few years

various works have

been completed on the

communal facilities

such as painting of all

common areas, new

curtains, new chairs

and tables.



Cyclical Programme 2013-14

Sometimes close walls and ceilings can last a bit longer than this depending on wear and tear in a particular close, however other areas of work ie close doors and landing windows normally require to be redone within the seven year period.

The following 34 properties are currently being inspected to assess the need for common cyclical painting during 2013-14.Onceallpropertieshavebeen assessed, a works programme will be drawn up and competitive prices obtained. Ownersinthepropertiesaffected will then be invited to owner’s meetings for majority agreement to be reached.

1189, 1201, 1211, 1221, 1231, 1243, 1263, 1359, 1407 Argyle Street

3, 9, 17 Arthur Street

4, 16 Blackie Street

10 Carfrae Street

5 Hastie Street

11 Nairn Street

56,63,64,74,OldDumbarton Road

28,40OvernewtonStreet

5,11,25,29,35,36, 39 Regent Moray Street

80, 88, 100 Yorkhill Street

9 Yorkhill Parade

Cyclical Painting to Common AreasThe Association normally assess common closes for cyclical painting and plasterwork repairs every seven years to ensure that properties are kept in a good state of repair.

The common backcourt landscape maintenance scheme recently went out to tender and the lowest cost was submitted by Clyde Valley Landscapes. The Association has therefore accepted this tender and Clyde Valley Landscapes will be carrying out common garden maintenance works in backcourt areas between April

and October 2013. Each backcourt will receive a monthly visit with appropriate work undertaken.

The contract includes grass-cutting, tree pruning, sweeping of hard landscaped areas and weed control. The Association will continue to monitor the service during this period.

All owners will be advised of the costs for their individual backcourts for this period.

Cyclical Common Backcourt Maintenance

Common Attic FansThe cyclical maintenance of common attic fans has just been completed to 39 common attic fans. Where additional works are required, the Association will be in contact with the owners involved.

Cyclical Gutter Cleaning Tenders were recently returned for the annual gutter cleaning of roofs of tenement properties and binstores. The contract was awarded to Clark Grant Roofing who provided the lowest tender. Works to binstore gutters commenced on site week commencing 15th April. Main roof gutters will follow immediately thereafter with the contract due for completion by mid May 2013.

Scottish Police are hoping that through our involvement in the Yorkhill Housing Association newsletter, we will inform you of the work that the Community Policing Teams within the area are involved in and the areas that we are impacting on.

As you will be aware Glasgow West End is a thriving, vibrant area and we are here to ensure that public reassurance is high on the agenda and that we deliver a quality service to those who work, travel to and socialise within the area. Above all we are here to ensure that the message of ‘Keeping People Safe’ is transmitted on a daily basis and we work in partnership with the housing associations to ensure that this

happens.

There has recently been an increase in reports of housebreakings within the local area. We would urge people to take basic security steps to keep their homes safe.

If you see any suspicious persons within the area, please contact us on the new non- emergency contact number 101.

Please follow these simple tips to reduce the chances of your home being broken into:

Our Top Tips:

• Markoretchyourpropertywithyourpostcode,houseorflatnumber or the first three letters of your house name.

• Registeritemswithaserial

number at: www.immobilise.com

• Donotleaveyourcarkeysor ID documents near doors, letterbox or windows.

• Alwayscheckwhoisatthedoor and don’t open it if you feel anxious.

• Closeandlockallyourdoorsand windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes.

• Keepyourvaluablesoutofsight.

• Leavesomelightsonifitwillbe dark before you get home.

• Installavisiblesecurityalarm.

• Cancelmilkorotherdeliveriesif you will be away for days or weeks at a time.

Advice from the Scottish Police Force

When did you last check your bath/shower seals?

The last 12 months have seen a large increase in the amount of water penetration cases from one property to another where water leakage causing extensive damage is the direct result of deteriorating bath and shower seals.

We strongly recommend that allflatownersshouldensurethat the seals around their baths or showers are inspected on a regular basis and the

silicone sealant replaced where it is showing any signs of wear and tear.

Association tenants should also keep a regular eye on their bath and shower seals and report signs of wear to the office.

It is a fairly minor repair to reinstate the seal around a bath or shower cubicle on a regular basis, but failure to maintain the seal can result in expensive reinstatement required due to water damage to adjoining properties.

WATER LEAKS



Complaints Handling ProcedureOn 1st April 2012, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman issued a new Complaints Handling Procedure (CHP) which was to be adopted by all housing associations by 1st April 2013.

During 2012, Yorkhill Housing Association revised its existing procedures and made the required changes to comply with the new CHP. We issued a copy of the CHP with the last newsletter so that every resident could be made

aware of our new procedures. Additional copies are available on request from the office.

Complaints help us to improve our services in many ways and can arise for many reasons:

• Ifwehavemadeamistake

• Ifoursystemsorproceduresareineffective

• Ifourcontractorsarenotproviding the quality we expect

• Ifthereisaproblemthatneedsanother organisation’s attention

We now record all complaints, where previously we only recorded those that required a manager’s investigation. Complaints that are resolved there and then or within 5 days are Stage 1.

Stage 2 complaints are ones that have not been resolved at Stage 1 or need detailed investigation.

Table 1 below shows a summary of our complaint records between August 2012 and March 2013.

Stage 1 complaints are frequently resolved on the same day. Most are upheld and we will try to avoid similar situations by changing the way we do things. Sometimes the complaint has arisen due to simple human error. If the Association has made a mistake, we will apologise and take care not to repeat it.

We often receive complaints about matters or services that are not within the Association’s direct control, even if the complaint itself is valid. Bulk refuse collection, street or stair lighting, parking problems are examples. In these circumstances we will record a ‘partially upheld’ outcome because we cannot control the final resolution to the complaint although we will do what we can to help.

Same Complaint Different Outcomes A common Stage 1 complaint is about stairs not being cleaned. This is investigated immediately, and the contractor comes out the same day if the squad has missed the property. Upheld

The stairs may not be clean, but it is the turn of a resident who does not participate in the cleaning contract and is therefore responsible for cleaning the stairs that week. Partially Upheld

The age and condition of the stairs mean that they can never be cleaned to the same standard as other levels within the property even after robust sweeping and washing. Not Upheld

Stage 1 Stage 2 Upheld Not Upheld Partially Upheld complaints complaints

Housing Management 10 3 11 2 -

Maintenance 8 8 9 3 4

Factoring 12 4 7 2 7

Finance and 0 2 1 1 - Admin

30 17 28 8 11


Julie Bebbington joins the Property Management Team as a Housing Assistant.

Her duties will include processing owners’ repairs, invoices and payments. You may also see Julie out and about inspecting back courts or helping Housing Management staff with our welfare reform activities.

OurnewCustomerServicesAssistantisLisaCaine. Lisa will be your first point of contact when you telephone or call at the office.

Pleased to meet you!We are delighted to introduce our newest members of staff to our readers:

Julie Bebbington Lisa Caine

Allpay - all tenants and owners have individual payment cards for use in local outlets

Debit Card – Use your debit card to pay in person at the office or by telephone

Credit Card – We will accept credit card payments from owners for payments of £500 or more

Cheque – Cheques are accepted for payments sent by

post or made in person at the office

Bank Standing Order - For rent payments or regular fixed sum factoring payments

Direct Debit – For rent payments or regular variable factoring payments

Internet Banking - For any payments directly from your bank account to the Association.

BUILDINGS INSURANCEAs Factor, the Association has a legal obligation to ensure that all tenement properties carry suitable buildings insurance.

The current block policy buildings insurance cover is with Zurich Municipal Insurance and has been renewed for all properties from 28th April 2013 to 27th April 2014. (Policy No. JHA-22S443-0023-00)Summary cover notes will be attached to the May factoring invoices.

Ways to PayWe strongly discourage cash payments at the office, but there are a number of alternative options to pay rent or factoring bills:

Please contact the office if you would like further information on any of these payment methods.


Fire Safety UpdateIt is with great pleasure that I write this article for your newsletter in response to an invitation from your housing association. As the Station Commander for Yorkhill Community Fire Station I am responsible for service delivery and the protection of the residents within the Yorkhill area. I am very happy to work with Yorkhill Housing Association in the hope that we can keep the community safer.

I am sure you are all aware of the fire that took place on the 26th of March within the Steiner School, for those of you unfamiliar with this I will give a quick recap. At approximately 11.30am the Fire Service received a call to a fire alarm actuation within the school. Onarrivalcrewsweremetwithawell-developed fire. At the height of the fire there were more than 55 fire fighters in attendance.

The main positive from the fire was that over 60 children along with staff were safely evacuated from the building and no injuries were reported. The reasoning for the safe evacuation was undoubtedly the actuation of the fire alarm and everyone following the fire action plan that was put in place.

This leads me on nicely to the fact that this same principle applies to you within your home. If you have a working smoke detector and a fire action plan this could save your life.

The Fire Service offer FREE Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV). During these visits we will check that you have sufficient working smoke detectors within your home, offer fire safety advice and ensure you are well aware of what to do in the event of a fire within your home.

I would strongly recommend that you take up this offer and contact

either myself or one of my officers to arrange a HFSV. We will provide this service at your convenience. We are here to assist in your safety, just contact us on 0141 338 6400. Alternatively, a home visit can be arranged through the housing association by speaking to any member of the Housing Management team.

Station Commander Kenny Barbour.


HOME FIRE SAFETY VISITSStrathclyde Fire & Rescue have recently launched their new campaign which involves creating a safer community by raising awareness of fire and other safety related matters, carrying out HOME FIRE SAFETY VISITS, particularly to the most vulnerable members of our community. Our personnel can if you wish call at your home at a time suitable to you in order to provide any or all of the following services:

FOR YOUR FREE HOME FIRE SAFETY VISIT FREEPHONE 0800 0731 999TEXT ‘CHECK’ TO 61611 OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FIRE STATION

• Carry out a Fire Safety Check of your home

• Provide and install FREE smoke and heat alarms (if required)

• Provide FREE fire safety advice and information

making our communities safe places to live, work and visit

HOW SAFE IS YOUR HOUSE?

www.dontgivefireahome.com

Protect your home, your family and yourself. This can be accomplished by taking 2 simple steps.

FIT A SMOKE ALARMIt gives you early warning of a fire, buying you valuable time for everyone to get out.

• If you can, it’s best to fit a hardwired or long-life smoke alarm• Have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home• Make sure that the smoke alarm is fitted at the highest point in the room• Test your smoke alarm once a week by pressing the test button

HAVE A FIRE ACTION PLANPlan your escape NOW!!!

Fires can take hold very quickly so it’s essential for you to plan what actions everyone should take to escape if a fire starts. Make sure everyone in your house understands the ACTION PLAN and knows what to do in the event of a fire.

YOUR ACTION PLAN

1. PLAN your escape route

2. PRACTICE your escape route

3. DON’T STOP for valuables

4. SHOUT to alert everyone in your house

5. KEEP LOW - the air is cleaner and cooler nearer the floor

6. DON’T INVESTIGATE - keep all doors closed

7. IF THERE IS NO WAY OUT get everyone into a SAFE ROOM

8. WHEN YOU’RE OUT - STAY OUT - AND DIAL 999

Heating, hot water and gas repairs:

If you are a sheltered housing tenant –

Call ECG on 07817 482 637 or 07817 614 337

If you are not a sheltered housing tenant -

Call GasSure on 01294 468 113Please note that GasSure is the trading name for James Frew so there is no

change to the contractor who is undertaking the work. GasSure is the display name on transport and identification.

All residents – if you smell gas call the Scotia Gas Networks on: 0800 111 999

For all other out- of- hours emergency repairs call Redsky on 0141 889 0089.

FORMER ASSOCIATION OFFICE PREMISES – 16/18 OVERNEWTON STREETThe Association’s former office at16-18OvernewtonStreethas now been upgraded. The Association is currently awaiting a valuation and thereafter the property will be rented out as a commercial let.The Association’s Office will be closed

on Friday 24th and Monday 27th May

OUT-OF-HOURS – EMERGENCY REPAIRS CONTRACTORS

Documents

The Newsletter of Yorkhill Housing Association Ltd …yorkhillha.org/uploads/2014-01-14-12-21-40-yorkhillspring13newpdf... · The Newsletter of Yorkhill Housing Association Ltd SPrING