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Staying Safe at Home

The following advice is available regarding preventing falls, staying warm and keeping cool, avoiding scams, and reducing the risk of fires in your home.

Stop Think Fraud

By staying vigilant and always taking a moment to stop, think and check, we can help to protect ourselves and each other from fraud.

For further advice, knowledge and tools visit Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams 

Scams can be devastating and affect anyone. 

Fraudsters can impersonate trusted organisations, such as banks or government bodies, and use pressure tactics to manipulate us into revealing personal or financial information.

 

 

 

Common tactics include:

  • claiming your bank account is compromised or there is a problem with your account
  • pretending to be from HMRC about unpaid taxes
  • the DWP suggesting you’re missing out on a benefit
  • offer fake prizes, or suggest you have won a competition
  • have an investment opportunity

Unfortunately, there are many more....

Scams can often be advertised via mailed leaflets, email, website advert, telephone call and in person doorstep cold callers. They have convincing techniques and can even suggest you pay some money for an ‘admin fee’, before you receive goods, services or benefits that you may never receive.

 

Protect yourself and recognise telephone scams:

Potential scammers contacting you via telephone can portray a sense of urgency, calling you unexpectedly requesting your bank account information or pressure you to take immediate action, or make you feel uncomfortable about your financial situation.

Fraudsters may try to remotely access your mobile telephone and other devices by suggesting you need to do an update on your devices or say they can provide technical help. Once they have access, they will try to view your banking and personal data. 

 

What to do if you receive a suspicious call:

  • Stop, think, and check before engaging.
  • Stay calm, never share sensitive details like your bank account or passwords over the phone.
  • Stop, hang up, and verify independently.
  • Make sure the call with the fraudster has fully disconnected. Never trust the caller ID alone.
  • Perhaps use an alternative phone or call a friend or ring someone you know to be sure the fraudsters are not still on the line.
  • Contact your bank safely on a number you have verified, maybe from a bank statement or via the secure banking app.
  • If you do not know your bank's contact number you can dial 159. This number can connect you directly to your bank.
  • Contact Action Fraud to report this incident online, to the UK's national reporting centre for Fraud and cybercrime or call 0300 123 2040.
  • Forward suspicious texts or report the telephone number, to your mobile phone provider, by texting 7726.

 

Reporting these incidents help authorities track scam trends and act against fraudsters.

Bogus callers, sometimes known as doorstep fraudsters, are people who trick their way into people's homes with the intention of stealing money or property.

These people often work in teams and they usually target people who are vulnerable. Doorstep fraudsters can be anyone and use many different guises to gain entry to your home, often pretending to be Council officials, workmen from the gas, electricity or water companies, or even the police. Most official companies will send you a letter first and you can ask your gas, water or electricity supplier to give you a unique password for additional security.

If you are in any doubt about the person on your doorstep then remember the following advice:

Always

  • use your door chain or door bar when answering the door and install a door viewer and an outside light
  • ask to see the caller’s identity card and check it thoroughly, ask the caller to wait on the doorstep while you phone the company to check
  • lock the door whilst you go and phone and don’t open the door until you are totally convinced. Anyone who is genuine will not mind you doing this
  • ask them to return at an agreed day and time when you have someone with you. Don’t let callers put pressure on you to let them in
  • your door, your decision - if in doubt - keep them out
  • ring the police if you are suspicious of the caller on 101 or call 999 if you feel in danger

 

Bogus workmen and criminal traders

Bogus workmen and criminal traders may try to carry out unnecessary repairs on your home and can be quite persistent and convincing.

  • if someone says you need repairs, tell them you will get some quotes for the work from other companies and get back to them.
  • always use a reputable company to carry out repairs or work on your property. You could ask family and friends for recommendations
  • if you turn to the internet and social media to find a trader, be aware hat criminal traders may use popular trader matching platforms or social media to advertise their services
  • to help with find a trader visit   Buy With Confidence – find a Trading Standards approved business - Lincolnshire County Council
  • Never give money to doorstep callers.

Before you consider getting building work done visit this information provided by Citizen Advice 

Contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or report a cold caller online here

Most falls happen within the home and there are plenty of measures you can take to keep safe. There are some simple checks you can do yourself. Other issues will require advice from your GP or medical professional.

Some things you can do to prevent falls at home are:

  • getting someone to help you to do things that you’re unable to do safely on your own
  • using non-slip mats and rugs
  • removing clutter, spillages, trailing wires and frayed carpet
  • organising your home so that climbing, stretching, and bending is less necessary
  • using high-wattage light bulbs in lamps and torches so a clear path can be seen
  • wearing well-fitting shoes that support the ankles
  • to avoid walking on potentially slippery floors in tights or socks
  • to avoid wearing loose-fitting, trailing clothes
  • taking care of your feet by trimming toenails regularly or seeing a specialist foot practitioner
  • getting your eyes regularly tested

Further information and advice can be found from Get up and go - a guide to staying steady

All healthcare professionals take the risks of falls seriously because of the significant impact they can have on your health. Your GP can carry out some simple balance tests to check if you are at risk of falling. GPs can also refer you to local services who can help you to reduce your risk of falling such as the Strength and Balance exercise programme.

 

One You Falls Leaflet
Adaptations to your home can also help in some circumstances. Equipment ranging from simple grab rails to stair lifts can be provided or bought to prevent falls. Several providers are available including those listed in the Providers Directory. Our Equipment and Adaptations page can help to identify where equipment may be bought. Further information about equipment can also be found on the Equipment and Adaptations Page.

 

Information and advice is available from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue to help you prevent fires and to keep you safe in your own home. Advice includes smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, electrical and kitchen safety and escape plans.

SHERMAN

The SHERMAN campaign highlights seven factors that put people at greater risk of having a fire, or being less likely to react to a fire. 

  • Smoker
  • Hoarder
  • Elderly or lives alone
  • Reduced mobility, hearing or visual impairments
  • Mental health issues
  • Alcohol misuse, drugs/medication dependence
  • Needs care or support

The online home fire safety check can help identify issues.

Home Fire Safety Check

This easy-to-follow home fire safety check has been developed through a partnership between the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Fire Kills and Safelincs. It will take you through your home one room at a time and the simple questions will help you spot fire risks as you go around your home.

You can use the tool to:

  • Identify fire risks in your home
  • Learn how you can reduce the risks
  • Create your own home fire safety plan

Based on the answers given, you may be asked to fill out a form with your contact details to arrange for a community Fire Safety Advocate to provide further fire safety advice to you.

This tool is accessible on a mobile device and can be completed by the resident, a relative, carer or a visiting professional in just a few minutes.

Take the online home fire safety check on scan the QR code:Online self assessment fire

Stay Fire Safe whilst budgeting 

Click on this Stay Fire Safe Leaflet from the National Fire chiefs Council to find out how to stay Fire Safe during the cost-of-living crisis.

Home Fire Safety Visit

Any professional can refer someone for a Home Fire Safety Visit if concerned about their fire safety. The referral process will assess if the occupant is eligible for a Home Fire Safety Visit.

Find out more about Home Fire Safety Visits

The home is the place where accidents are most likely to occur. Everyone should be aware of the dangers in the home so that accidents can be avoided. Information is available to raise awareness of the type of accidents that may occur in the home and what steps you can take to prevent them.

 

Police, Fire and Rescue and Medical Emergency call 999

For medical conditions that are not life threatening call or visit one of the following:

  • Local Pharmacy - Your local pharmacist can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints, without you having to go to your GP or other healthcare setting.
  • NHS 111 - NHS 111 is a service which makes it easier for you to access NHS services. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and is free when you telephone 111. You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but it is not a 999 emergency.
  • GP Out of Hours service - If you need a doctor out of normal hours, dial NHS 111 to contact the GP Out of Hours service.
  • Walk in centre - Lincoln Walk-in Centre, 63 Monks Road. Lincoln LN2 5HP
    Tel: 01522 528153 opening times 8am- 8pm
  • Grantham Enhanced Out of Hours Service - Kingfisher Suite, Grantham and District Hospital, Grantham NH31 8DG

For booked appointments with the traditional GP Out of Hours Service, dial NHS 111 6.30pm-8am on weekdays or 24hours a day at weekends and Bank Holidays.

For injuries only (cuts, minor burns, sprains and suspected fractures, bites and stings), walk in without an appointment 6.30pm-11.30pm seven days a week.

Minor injury Units

  • Sleaford Medical Group - 47 Boston Road, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7HD. Tel: 01529 419100. Opening times 8am – 8pm weekdays, 8am – 6pm weekends
  • The City Care Centre - Thorpe Road, Peterborough PE3 6DB. Tel: 01733 293800. Opening times 8am-8pm
  • Stamford Hospital - Ryhall Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire,PE9 1UA. Tel: 01780 764151. Open 9am- 5pm
  • Newark minor injury unit and urgent care centre - Newark Hospital, Boundary Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 4DE. Tel: 01636 681681
  • John Coupland Hospital - Ropery Road, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 2TJ. Tel: 01427 816 502, open seven days: 8am - 8pm
  • Johnson Community Hospital - Spalding Road, Pinchbeck, PE11 3DT. Tel: 01775 652000, open seven days: 8am - 6pm

Urgent care Centres

  • Sleaford Medical Group - 47 Boston Road, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7HD. Tel: 01529 419100. Opening times 6.30pm – 8pm weekdays, 8am – 6pm weekends
  • Skegness Hospital - Dorothy Avenue, Skegness, Lincolnshire PE25 2BS. Tel: 01754 613504. Open: 24 hours, seven days a week (including Christmas Day and Bank Holidays)
  • Louth County Hospital - High Holme Road, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 0EU. Tel: 01507 600100 ext 1223. Open: 24 hours, seven days a week (including Christmas Day and Bank Holidays)

24 hour A&E departments are at Lincoln County Hospital, Pilgrim Hospital in Boston.

 Peterborough City Hospital also offers a 24 hour A&E department.

  • Lincoln County Hospital - Greetwell Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN2 5QY
  • Pilgrim Hospital Boston - Sibsey Road, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 9QS
  • Peterborough City Hospital - Edith Cavell Campus, Bretton Gate, Peterborough PE3 9GZ
  • Grantham and District Hospital - 101 Manthorpe Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 8DG. 8am - 6.30pm
In a medical emergency call 999

Keeping warm and well in winter:Image

There are many ways you can keep yourself healthy and warm in the winter, and prepare for colder weather these include:

 

Energy costs can increase in the winter months

You may be eligible for some help towards winter costs these could include:

 

Staying cool and hydrated in the summer: image

There are many ways you can keep cool and comfortable in hot weather.

You can reduce risks to your health and stay cool by:

 

Carbon monoxide can be produced when poorly maintained, incorrectly fitted or badly repaired appliances do not burn gas completely.

Look out for the following signs that could indicate that a gas appliance is not working correctly, and CO may be present in the house:

  • Floppy yellow or orange flame on your gas hob, rather than a crisp blue flame

  • Dark, sooty staining on or around gas appliances

  • Pilot lights that frequently blow out
  • Increased condensation inside window

Find out how to protect yourself in your home here. 

Register your appliances to get free safety updates. 

Just taking a few minutes to register your appliances at registermyappliance.org.uk, means that you could access free safety repairs if they were ever needed, potentially preventing fires and accidents in the home.

For further information on how to do this and the benefits visit the Lincolnshire County Council website. 

The Met Office will sometimes issue severe weather warnings, indicating varying levels of disruption and danger to communities.

The following telephone lines may be helpful if required when reporting:

  • Fallen trees - call 101
  • Fallen power cables - call 105
  • Issues with gas - call 0800 111 999
  • Environment agency - call 0345 988 118

Information and advice for your local community can be found on the following websites:

The Met Office have a flood warnings guide, information on floods and flooding and what to do in a flood. 

The Lincolnshire Resilience Forum have information on flooding and severe weather. 

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In this section

  1. Housing and Independence at Home
  2. Equipment and Adaptations
  3. Extra Care Housing
  4. Help at Home
  5. House, Garden and Pet Care
  6. Looking After Yourself
  7. Personal Assistants
  8. Staying Safe at Home

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