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The Housing Executive has just delivered its annual edition of Housing News to its tenants in the Newry District.
This year there is a full page devoted to preparing for winter and there is also an advice leaflet from NIWater enclosed.
After some of the worst winter weather on record last winter the Housing Executive has been improving the insulation and lagging to pipes in its homes and reviewed its emergency out of hours service.
But there are steps that tenants and homeowners can take to reduce the risk of damage to their homes. For the benefit of everyone, they are repeated below.
Find your stopcock
The stopcock is a valve for turning off the cold water system in your home. You should know where the stopcock is and that it is working.
Prevent your pipes from freezing
Put your central heating on for short periods throughout the day to make sure the temperature in each room is reasonably high. Allow warm air to circulate round the house by slightly opening the doors to the individual rooms (including the trap door from the roof space). If your home will be empty during the cold weather, ask someone to go in and turn the heating on for a short time and check for frozen pipes or drain down the cold water tank.
Dealing with frozen pipes
Turn off the water supply by turning the stopcock clockwise. Thaw along the pipe starting from the end nearest the tap by placing hot water bottles or a thick cloth soaked in hot water over the frozen pipe. Be careful not to warm them too quickly or they may burst.
If you have a burst pipe
Turn the water supply off and block the escaping water with thick cloths like towels. Drain the system. If the water has come into contact with electrical fittings the electricity should be turned off at the mains.
Make sure you insure your house contents
During the extreme weather conditions many Housing Executive homes had problems with frozen or burst pipes, some of which caused damage to tenants’ personal belongings and furnishings. If the contents of your home were destroyed or badly damaged by burst pipes could you find the money to replace them? Get your possessions insured.
Help your neighbour
If you know someone who is elderly, has a disability, or is housebound, check on them and make sure they are okay.
Beware of Bogus Callers
If someone calls to your house always ask for identification and if you are unsure call the Quick Check 24 hour freephone service (0800 0132290) to verify the identity of your caller.
Further advice and information is available at www.nihe.gov.uk or through our Customer Service Units on tel. 03448 920 900.
