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Winter Weather:

Dare we say it, but with the festive season fast approaching, it is important for home owners to plan ahead and ensure their property is safe and ‘weatherproof’, especially if it is likely to be empty over Christmas. This also applies to commercial property clients whose offices or warehouses may be closed for the festive period.

Here are Macnabs top 5 tips on safeguarding your property this winter, especially if it is going to be unoccupied for a period of time:

1. Heating – Scottish winters tend not to be kind to us, so ensure your heating does not fall to below 10 degrees at all times. Extreme weather conditions can lead to broken boilers and frozen pipes, which in turn can cause flooding so make sure you check on boilers, pipes and gutters at this time of year.
2. If you are going to be away, it is useful to set time clocks around your home to provide lighting for added security.
3. It goes without saying, whether it is a residential or commercial property, check and double check that doors, windows and gates are securely locked. Check alarms, CCTV or security cameras are fully operative.
4. Insurance – make sure that your property insurance is fully up to date and if you are going to be away for an extended period of time that this is not a condition of your insurance policy. Understand your building contents cover and it’s conditions.
5. Emergency contacts – have up-to-date procedures in place, whether this is a house burglar alarm contact or within a commercial environment. Make sure there is a key contact, they know their responsibilities and have full authority to act in an emergency.