Press Releases
'Tis the Season to be Careful
Date: 20-December-2005
Domestic duties become over-looked during the festive season and cause many costly property problems including frozen pipes, fires and burglaries.
In a bid to help reduce these domestic Christmas nightmares, Edwin Backler, Managing Director of leading property management company, Charles White Ltd, has compiled a list of the top five most common property related disasters during the festive season and valuable advice on how they could be avoided:
• Pipes freezing
• Fires from festive decorations
• High risk of burglaries
• Cost of over-supply of electricity
• Anti Social Behaviour Orders
Edwin said: “These problems are all too familiar during the Christmas period and can affect any household. We advise our tenants that adequate heating must be supplied to keep pipes warm. This avoids freezing which subsequently leads to burst pipes and flooding. If the property is vacant it is appropriate to turn off the water and drain down all tanks and pipes.”
“To prevent fires being ignited by Christmas lights they must be switched off when the house is empty and during the night. Similarly candles should be extinguished and should never be left unattended. It is imperative that lights are not left to over-heat and that candles are not lit in the vicinity of decorations as this could start a fire.”
Extra precaution should be taken on the safety of property. Edwin added: “Long, dark winter evenings and vacant homes are ideal circumstances for burglaries. Our advice is to have a house alarm and ensure all doors and windows are locked. Install a sensor light that illuminates when there is movement outside and gives added light when leaving or entering the property.
“Tenants of rented apartments should also alert their property manager if outdoor or tenement lighting needs to be replaced.”
To save money, all electrical appliances should be switched off at the mains when a property is left unattended. Edwin continued: “Electrical devices such as television sets, radios, video and DVD players and microwaves should all be switched off by removing the plug from the socket. If left on standby electricity is still being used and is costing the resident unnecessary expense.”
Finally, with the traditional celebrations which accompany Christmas and New Year, people should be aware of possible Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBO). Edwin said: “People should be aware that an ASBO, a written warning from the Police, can be submitted at anytime for a variety of reasons including loud music, late night parties and excessive noise. I would advise each home owner to give consideration to their neighbours by informing them of any planned parties during the festivities, which should help avoid future disputes.”
Established in 1840, Charles White Ltd is the oldest property management company in Edinburgh, specialising in property letting and the management of the communal parts of residential developments. Charles White Ltd has around 30 property professionals, currently based in offices in both Edinburgh and Glasgow.
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For further information
Lisa Nicholson
Beattie Communications
Tel: 01324 602563