Hales Property Management would like to wish everyone a happy and wonderful holiday season. Hales will be closed for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Please take a minute to read the articles on various tips for the Holiday Season.
Security Tips
As we look forward to the holidays, it’s important to take into consideration a few things to help ensure the overall security of the building as well as avoiding disasters.
Here are a few simple tips:
- We’ve been contacted several times by residents asking if they can turn their heat off while away. Please DO NOT turn your heat off. In most cases, you can turn your heat down to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. There is simply no worse feeling than coming home to a flooded unit or having a pipe break from a unit above yours in the middle of the night since your neighbor decided to turn their heat off.
- Nobody likes to talk about break-ins but unfortunately we find they are more frequent during the holidays. Be sure your assets are protected by reviewing your condominium unit owner’s insurance contract. Note that the building’s property insurance does not cover personal belongings of the unit owners or tenants.
- If you are away for a long period of time, make sure that you arrange for alternate mail service. If your car is parked in a common lot or garage, but sure to inform management. You may want to consider a friend or neighbor to have an extra key especially if you park on the street.
- Do not leave any keys under the mat. Burglars know most commonly used hiding places.
- Do not leave house keys in the car. If thieves gain access to your car, they will gain access to your unit/building and you may be responsible for the cost to change common area locks.
- Do not stick or engrave anything on your keys that can match that set of keys to your unit. If you lose your keys and if somehow it falls onto the wrong hands, that person will know where your house is and will have easy access to your home. You will then be responsible for the cost to change any common area locks.
- Use light timers. It’s inexpensive and can be found everywhere. They should be used on a daily basis and not just when you’re away. For best effect, use light-timers near the front and back windows. It will simulate occupancy.
By taking these little precautions will ultimately save you a great deal of money and aggravation especially during the holidays.
Snow Removal Announcement
If your building has a parking lot, there may be times that your vehicle will need to be relocated in order to properly service the lot in heavy snow falls. If you plan on going out of town during the snow season and your vehicle is parked in the lot, please make arrangements with a friend or neighbor to move your vehicle if necessary. Stay tuned to specific announcements from your property manager for important information.
