Feeling safe

If you are concerned that you, or someone you care for, is either at risk of or is being abused or not looked after properly, raise a safeguarding alert.

You can also find a list of resources providing support to keep you safe in your home, on our West Berkshire Directory.

Technology and equipment

Equipment (such as grab rails and walkers) or technology (such as sensors and alarms) could help you feel safer at home. You can find our more on our technology and equipment to help you at home page.

Rogue traders and scams

Sometimes, cold callers or traders may visit your home or phone you to try and sell goods and services. They may try and intimidate or mislead you to make you buy things you don't want or need. 

If you feel you are being pressured into buying goods or services you don't want, ask the trader to leave. It is illegal for a trader to stay at your home once you have asked them to leave. If you feel at all threatened by a trader in your home, then phone 999.

The Public Protection Partnership have advice on doorstep crime and scams. The Fraud Protection Toolkit from Thames Valley Police lists the things you can do to prevent you getting scammed.

Citizens Advice have advice on spotting, and reporting, scams, including scams online or over email / text.

Anti-social behaviour

Generally, anti-social behaviour is when an individual or group continuously act in a way that causes, or is likely to cause, alarm or distress.

If you're being affected by anti-social behaviour, don't suffer in silence. Find out how to report anti-social behaviour, or talk to our Building Communities Together Team if you have concerns.

Electrical safety

Electricity, whether through overloaded sockets or equipment in poor condition, is now the major cause of accidental fires in UK homes. Extension leads trailing across the floor are also a trip hazard. 

There are lots of electrical safety checks you can undertake yourself to make sure things are safe at home.

Fire safety

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) do home Safe and Well Visits for eligible people. During the visit, they will assess your home for possible risks and help you address them to stay safe.

The fire service recommend that you have smoke alarms fitted in your home. They are easy to install, and are widely available from many supermarkets and DIY stores. If you need help fitting them, the West Berkshire Directory has a list of handyman services that can help. Age UK also have a Handyperson Service, or you can use Checkatrade to search checked and reviewed tradespeople.

You can also find some fire risk awareness resources on the Safeguarding Adults Board website.

Gas and carbon monoxide safety

Only use a Gas Safe Registered engineer to fit, fix or service your gas appliances. 

Gas suppliers have a duty to provide free gas safety checks to people on the Priority Services Register (PSR). If you're on the PSR, or eligible to sign-up, contact your gas supplier for further information.

Carbon Monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that you cannot see, smell or taste. Consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm if you have:

• a wood or coal burning fire
• gas or oil burning appliances (such as a gas boiler, heater or cooker)

Making sure vital electrical equipment and water is not cut off

If you rely on electrical equipment, for example, a home dialysis machine, artificial ventilator or adjustable bed, you can register for Priority Services with your electricity and water suppliers.

When registered for priority services, suppliers will try to prevent your supply from going off. If it does ever go off, they'll make sure that you get your power back on as a matter of urgency. 

Each energy supplier has their own priority services register. You will find their contact details on the back of your energy bill. You can also visit the PSR website for information about eligibility and how to register.

Thames Water and other water suppliers, also have a similar service for your water supply.
 

Do you still need help? Get in touch with us and tell us what you're looking for.