Get ready for winter
Published: Monday 9 October 2023
![This is a graphic with the message Get Ready for winter](https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/view/images/1_065556_WEB_SLView_HN35_Get_ready_for_winter_p6.jpg)
Last year, as a result of the extremely cold weather, hundreds of council houses suffered burst pipes.
This caused damage to the fabric of buildings and damaged tenants’ furniture and personal belongings. The damage was so severe that many tenants had to be moved out of their homes into another council property whilst repairs were carried out.
This year, to try and prevent this happening again and to help tenants prepare for winter, we have the following advice and guidance on how to prevent burst pipes:
- Know where your stopcock is and make sure you can turn it off and on
- Turn off the water mains at the stopcock if you are going away in the winter
- Alternatively, keep the heating on at a minimum temperature of 13°C when you are away, as this will prevent temperatures dropping below freezing in any areas of the property where water pipes are located
- Leave cupboard doors under the kitchen sink and bathroom cabinets open to allow warm air to circulate
- If pipes freeze, thaw them out slowly using a hot water bottle – never use a blow lamp
- Contact the council immediately on 0303 123 1010 or out of hours 0800 242 024, if you spot any issues such as a leak or a blocked toilet
We would also encourage you to arrange home contents insurance, which would mean your personal belongings are insured if this kind of situation was to happen. Last year, many tenants didn’t have any cover and faced the cost of replacing all of their damaged belongings.
The council operates a tenant’s home contents insurance scheme with Aviva Insurance, with cover starting from as little as £12* per year, or 25p per week, for £4000 cover, which you can pay as a premium along with your rent.
*Price includes Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) charged at the appropriate rate. Terms and conditions apply.
For more advice and information please visit the council’s website.
It happens! Don’t get that sinking feeling…
![This image shows a woman looking with concern at a burst pipe](/view/images/1_065556_WEB_SLView_HN35_It_happens_Advert_p6.jpg)
Having home contents insurance can’t prevent floods, thefts or fires from happening, but it can help you get back on your feet.
Find out more about protecting your furniture and personal possessions.
Call: 0303 123 1024 or go to to the council website.
28 June 2024
Financial pressure to continue for council
27 June 2024
Hairmyres Park and Ride plans
27 June 2024
Permits needed for burgundy bins from next year
27 June 2024
Wind Farm fund connects Carly to job success
27 June 2024
Golden opportunity for pupils to work for eagles
26 June 2024
Charlie Cook's Favourite Book at Memorial Hall
25 June 2024
Pupils helping with It’s Your Place campaign
24 June 2024
Flag raised to honour Armed Forces
24 June 2024
Report says pupil wellbeing at centre of school life
21 June 2024
Quarry Street pilot scheme improvements