Festive warnings on Bristol properties

A combination of Christmas holidays and a predicted cold

snap could put apartment blocks and flats in the Bristol area in danger, a

local property management company has warned.

With many people leaving their properties unattended for

days while they visit relatives over the festive season burst pipes or

electrical problems can cause massive amounts of damage.

BNS Management Services, based in Downend, Bristol, who

manage more than 165 properties throughout the Bristol area, say that with

freezing temperatures predicted people should be aware of the dangers before

leaving a property empty for days.

Andrew Simmonds of BNS said: "People are so excited about

travelling to friends or family for Christmas or New Year that they forget to

leave their property safe. Every year we have to deal with burst pipes if the

holiday season coincides with cold weather.

"In flats and apartment blocks it is even more important to

ensure everything is left in a safe way as water can run through several flats

or fire can break out if electrical items are left on unattended.

"We have teams of people that will work right through the

Christmas period on the properties we manage but it is down to the individual

residents to make sure they are careful about how they leave properties."

Andrew Simmonds said that if there is a stop tap for an

individual apartment or flat then it can be turned off when people leave – but

ensure that you are not cutting off a neighbour with a shared supply.

Make sure all electrical appliances are safely off,

especially electric fires, ovens and stoves. Wherever possible leave contact

details with a trusted neighbour or managing agent, in case of emergency.

Said Andrew Simmonds: "The most important thing to do is to

check around your property before you leave and ensure that everything is safe

to leave for the length of time you are going to be away. It can make the

difference between having a good Christmas and New Year and a disastrous one."