Council and democracy

Dealing safely with your Gas, Electric and Water supplies

If water, gas or electricity supplies have been affected you should not attempt to turn them back on until they have been thoroughly checked by qualified engineers.

Water

You will need to call a plumber if your water supply has been affected. DO NOT attempt to turn on the supply until the plumber has checked the system. Plumbers can be contacted through your telephone directories.

Gas

If your gas installation, meter appliances have been affected by fire, the Fire and Rescue Service Gas supplier may turn off disconnect the supply.

You should make sure that either your Gas supplier or an installer registered with The Council for Registration of Gas Installs (CORGI) inspects and rectifies any problem in the installation appliances BEFORE any attempt is made to restore the supply.

Electricity

Your electricity supply may have been turned off to ensure the safety of firefighters. If your internal electricity supply has been damaged by fire or flood, your regional electricity company will have to reconnect the supply after a qualified electrician has carried out re-wiring and notified them of completion.

During office hours council tenants are advised to contact their housing department who will arrange any repair work necessary to domestic water, gas and electricity supplies.

Temporary lighting or heating units can be dangerous, especially if they have been bought second-hand, been badly stored or not used for some time. Make sure that they are inspected by the manufacturer or a qualified dealer before use.

Make sure there is adequate ventilation in the room where these temporary lighting or heating appliances are being used and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Remember:

• Do not attempt to reconnect or turn on power supplies yourself. Failure to have electrical wiring and/or appliances checked by a qualified person may result in a fire.
• Failure to have your water system checked by a qualified plumber may result in a flood.