Winter Weather Advice

Keep your property and yourself safe this winter

Last winter was one of the worst we have seen in a long time. Weeks of freezing temperatures, snow and ice brought us pictures of a country struggling to cope.  

This year we want to help our tenants be as prepared as possible, as well as advising how best to protect your property.
 
Here are a few helpful and simple tips. 

• Keep your heating on low constantly to prevent frozen pipes; this will also ensure your property is kept at a constant temperature. Although you may think this will cost you more in the long term it will work out cheaper than switching your boiler on and off. Ensure your loft hatch is slightly open to allow heat up to water tanks.
• If you are going away over the winter period we will drain down your property to prevent burst pipes and we will refill the system on your return, free of charge.
• Ensure you know where your stop tap is, if your pipes do burst this is vital to keep the damage to a minimum. If you do not know the location of your stop tap please call the office for advice.
• If you have a burst pipe, turn your stop tap off and open up all taps to the property to drain the water from the system. Remove all items which may get damaged. Remember you are responsible for insuring your own home – you can do this simply by calling the office and it can cost as little as £2 a week.
• If your pipes do freeze, open up kitchen cupboards etc to allow heat to the water supply pipes. To thaw the pipes use hot water bottles placed on the pipes, or use a hair dryer.You need to thaw the pipes slowly, do not use blow torches.
• Ensure you have some bottled water in the property in case the pipes do freeze.
• Ensure if you are leaving your property you wear suitable footwear and wear several thin layers rather than one thick this will keep your warmer.
• Close your curtains at dusk to keep in the warmth.
• Ensure you have contact with vulnerable friends and family regularly.