Scottish Water pipes up on safety
As winter’s grip starts tightening, businesses are being warned to make doubly sure their pipes are protected.
Scottish Water is joining forces with Scotland’s leading business organisations to get the message over.
“It’s not just our homes we need to think about protecting this winter, but business premises can be vulnerable to the prolonged cold temperatures of the winter months too,” said Peter Farrer, Scottish Chief Operating Officer.
“There’s no telling whether there will be a repeat of the extreme conditions of the last few years and that is why it is sensible for people across Scotland to start thinking about protecting their pipes, whether at home or at work, and make sure they are prepared.
“Very often people assume that it won’t happen to them, but there are few things more frustrating than opening up your work premises to find everything ankle deep in freezing water and your stock, carpets and equipment all ruined because of a burst pipe.
“Businesses which take action now to heat, insulate and protect their properties overnight, over the weekend and particularly during the festive period can avoid this potentially costly headache. Across Scotland, business owners need to ensure that they are prepared.
“Protect your pipes – Be prepared is Scottish Water’s winter message.”
It’is being spread through a range of measures including leaflets, videos, social media channels, advertising and partnerships with a range of organisations.
Andrew Palmer, CBI Scotland’s director of operations and membership, said:“We urge businesses across Scotland to follow Scottish Water’s advice by preparing for the winter weather. Early preparation will allow businesses to minimise the risk of damage and continue with their day to day activities.”
And the message isn’t just for large businesses. All areas of the business community can benefit from Scottish Water’s important winter advice.
Andy Willox, the Federation of Small Businesses' (FSB)Scottish policy convenor, said “Avoid the risk of burst pipes, and the potential cost of flooded premises, by making sure your premises are prepared for falling temperatures. No matter if your business is busy or quiet at this time of year, now is the time to get prepared.”
Ensuring your business is properly protected can help you avoid the potentially costly headache of the damage caused to premises or stock by a burst pipe.
This is also good for the wider economy, as the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Liz Cameron outlines: "The steps taken by Scottish Water are welcomed by the business community. Business premises are susceptible to the impacts of winter weather and this disruption can have wider impacts on the business, the supply chain and the wider economy. The advice from Scottish Water is practical and implementation of this can help to minimise risk during the winter period, enabling businesses to continue their operations and services for customers."
As one of the largest businesses in Scotland, Scottish Water is also ensuring it is well equipped to continue delivering the best service it can in the event of a severe winter. Employees will be working around the clock to maintain drinking water supplies to 2.4 million household customers and over 150,000 businesses.
Headline advice:
- Heat, insulate and protect your pipes.
- Leave your heating on at a low setting.
- If you are going away then make sure you have someone who can regularly check for any problems.
- If your property is going to be vacant over the winter months, turn off your water supply and drain the system. A licensed plumber should be able to advise you about this.
- Keep your insurance documents somewhere secure and water-tight so you can access them easily if needed.
- Locate your stop valve.
- Keep a note of the telephone number of a licensed plumber.
- Keep a note of the Scottish Water Customer Helpline number – 0845 601 8855.
- Be a good neighbour and keep an eye out for your neighbours, especially the frail and elderly or disabled.
