What makes a property manager a grinch? It comes around every year, and while most people want to dress up their homes and blocks of flats to bring some festive cheer, there's always a grouchy managing agent trying to tell them off for hanging lights or setting up trees. So why are all block managers grinchy?
Deck the halls...
Over Christmas many people around the country like to decorate spaces inside and outside their homes. This can include anything from small wreaths or bows on flat doors, up to potentially large Christmas trees and extensive lighting displays. Due to the obvious risk actual candles and fires are far less common nowadays, though it is still important to keep an eye out for real flames.
Also remember to check that your fire alarms work. Some residents may take a battery out for that extra stretch of fairy lights, but it is essential to ensure you leave a working battery in your fire alarm and don't remove it to use elsewhere.
Christmas Trees
Please remember the very serious risk of real trees, highlighted in this example video here.
Real trees should be hydrated when purchased, and kept watered, so it doesn't turn in to dry fire wood. You should also keep trees away from fireplaces and heaters, to avoid it drying out or catching alight.
Be careful to avoid metal decorations, or fixings like staples, especially when using electric lights on the tree itself. Always use plastic fittings to secure any decorations on your tree.
Let there be lights
Behind candles, lights and extension leads are the main cause of fires over Christmas time. It is important to consider that the lights you use are appropriate for where they are going, whether inside or outside, on a tree or a long distance away from the nearest plug socket.
Be sure to turn off lights if you're not home or when you sleep - this reduces the risk of an undetected fire, as well as saving on your electricity bill.
Carefully check for damaged or frayed wires on old lights - age makes the connections brittle, as well as small pests like mice potentially getting in and nibbling through the boxes.
Be cautious if using extension leads, as you need to watch out for fire risks and trip hazards. Over loaded extensions can lead to sparks and fires, while excessive cables or long cables can get caught on furniture and feet - especially hazardous with children and pets.
Consider your neighbours
While you may enjoy the lights and tinsel, not everyone has the same enthusiasm and especially for decorations outside your home, your neighbours may see more of this than you do. To that end, perhaps speak with your neighbours before putting up decorations to try and avoid any specific irritations or concerns, and be sure to consider physical access or exit as well as flashing lights that may disturb sleep patterns. A little consideration goes a long way, and in many cases a quick conversation about your plans helps forewarn those around you, making them less likely to object at all.
Rubbish Box(ing) Day
Inevitably decorations, presents and dinners lead to lots of extra rubbish and large boxes, as well as left over trees. Please remember that the usual rules apply even after Christmas:
Break down and flatten any cardboard boxes before putting in recycling bins.
Large and bulky waste (like trees) are your responsibility to dispose of, normally by taking them to the local recycling centre or tip.
If rubbish doesn't fit in the bins, don't just litter it on the floor - keep it in your property until the next bin collection, or take it to the local recycling centre or tip. All rubbish should be put in the bins with the lids closed.
If you share communal bins, it is important that everyone chips in to ensure the regular collections can go ahead as usual and that bulky waste or overflowing bins won't lead to missed collections - especially as everyone has more rubbish to get rid of, and given that council collections will be delayed by the Christmas closures.
Merry Christmas!
Everyone wants to have a good time, and most people expect a little out of the ordinary festivities and minor problems in the name of celebrations. Enjoy yourself and have a merry time, just remember to consider your neighbours, you rubbish collections and the safety of your own family.
Have a lovely Christmas!
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