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There are several ways you can make sure your home is safe
for you and your family. Kent Police have crime prevention officers
who can check your house and give you advice on how you can improve
your security. The Kent Fire Service provide a similar service to
show you how you can minimise the risk of fire and smoke damage to
you and your property.
Other services to help with home protection are HomeSafe, the
HandyVan scheme and the Senior Safety scheme.
HomeSafe
The Kent HomeSafe Scheme aims to help vulnerable, disabled or
older people feel safe in their own homes by carrying out security
works and minor aids and adaptations to their homes. It is
particularly aimed at first time burglary victims. These can
include fitting window locks, smoke alarms, door locks, bolts,
viewers and safety chains, night latches and key safes.
The service operates free across Kent.
To find out if you, a family member or a neighbour are eligible,
contact:
Community Safety Unit
Kent County Council
First floor, Invicta House
County Hall
Kent ME14 1XX
Tel: 08458 247 247
Email:
communitysafetyunit@kent.gov.uk
Senior Safety and HandyVan schemes
KCC funds the Senior Safety scheme run by Help the Aged to
provide free installation of safety and security products in
eligible clients' homes. The aids can include door and window
locks, and smoke detectors. There is also a 24-hour response
service called Senior Link for older people needing help in an
emergency or assistance when answering a door to strangers. For
this scheme equipment is installed free of charge for eligible
older people but a small weekly charge is levied for monitoring and
maintenance.
The HandyVans are the vehicles used by the fitters who travel to
clients' homes to review their safety and security needs and carry
out the required work.
To find out more about the schemes and the eligibility criteria,
contact:
Administrator Kent
Help the Aged Senior Safety Scheme
Unit 4-6
Crusader Business Park
Stephenson Road
Clacton on Sea
Essex CO15 4TN
Tel: 01255 473999
Email:
seniorsafety@helptheaged.org.uk
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