Cordale have made arrangements  for our grit bins to be topped up. We have also purchased additional stocks of grit should we need to refill the bins over the coming months. Whilst we don’t have the capacity to grit all paths at each scheme, we hope that there is sufficient supplies for use by tenants and visitors to reduce the risks bad weather brings. Please contact Customer Solutions on 0800 6781228 if supplies are running low.

Keeping your property and pipes protected from water damage

During winter months the water pipes in your home are at risk of freezing when the temperature drops.  Frozen pipes can leave you without running water, central heating systems can fail and carry the risk of bursting and flooding your home. When there is cold weather there are some steps you can take to help prevent your pipes from freezing:

• Leave your heating on. Set your thermostat at 12-15C when you’re away from the property. This keeps the air inside warm to help stop internal pipes from freezing.
• Open cabinet doors and loft hatches. Allow warm air in your home to circulate around pipes under sinks or in the attic.
• Run your taps. It’s harder for water to freeze if it’s running, so turn your taps on and off regularly.
• If you will be away for a longer period over the festive season, switch off your water at the stopcock, drain your water system completely and leave a key with a friend or neighbour.

It’s important to know how to turn off the water in your home just in case the worst happens, so familiarise yourself with the location of your stopcock.  More advice regarding keeping your property and pipes protected from water damage can be found on the Scottish Water website:

https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/About-Us/News-and-Views/2023/10/131023-Protect-Pipes

Christmas Fire Safety Tips

Here are some vital fire safety tips to help prevent festive fire hazards this Christmas.

• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Don’t overload plug sockets.
• Don’t leave candles unattended.
• Don’t leave candles near Christmas trees or other greenery.
• Use battery-operated candles.
• Switch off or unplug fairy lights at night and when going out.
• Inspect Christmas lights for signs of damage before using.
• Don’t hang decorations over or near fires or heaters.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected – Get Insured

What would you do if your home was flooded and the contents of your household were damaged? Would you be able to have them repaired or replaced?

Whilst building insurance is already set up for your home, we strongly recommend that you take out contents insurance to protect your possessions. No matter how careful you might be, there’s always a risk that belongings could be damaged, broken or stolen, so home contents insurance can help provide peace of mind should the worst happen. There are lots of companies who offer contents insurance; you could compare prices on a price comparison website.

There are a number of insurance companies who provide contents insurance specifically designed for social housing tenants with affordable rates. This includes Thistle Insurance who provide low cost insurance with flexible payment options. https://www.thistletenants-scotland.co.uk/

For further information about contents insurance, please speak to you Neighbourhood Officer or contact Customer Services.