Archive: Around Town

Using timers for household lights, stopping mail delivery, and arranging to have the driveway and sidewalk shoveled, are some of the safety tips the Landlords Association of Tompkins County is suggesting to property owners and renters, while they’re away from home during the holiday season.

The Association notes that home and apartment safety and security is important year-round, but the increased use of electrical fixtures such as light displays presents additional potentials for an electrical problem or fire during the holidays. People are also typically away for several days. A dark home or apartment with no lights on, or one with an unshoveled driveway or sidewalk, is an indication to criminals that the property may not be occupied. Some municipalities also require property owners to keep sidewalks clear in the winter. Turning down the thermostat saves energy, and unplugging small appliances can reduce the possibility of further damage in the event of an electrical problem or fire.

"The holidays are a busy time of year," says Landlords Association of Tompkins County President Herbert Dwyer, "and in the hustle and bustle, people sometimes forget to take a few basic precautions that can protect their homes while they’re away, and avoid turning a wonderful time of the year into a tragic one. These safety tips are appropriate for any property owner or renter, and we particularly want to encourage college students across Central New York to follow them, and landlords who rent to students to talk to their tenants about following them."

The Association is encouraging all renters and property owners to do the following:

• Use timers on household lights to create the appearance that someone is home.
• Unplug outdoor lights and displays to reduce the risk of fire.
• Turn off or unplug small appliances
• Save energy by turning your thermostat down to 55 degrees.
• Stop your mail delivery, or have a friend or neighbor pick it up regularly.
• Make arrangements for the responsible care of your pets.
• Arrange to have your driveway and sidewalks shoveled.
• Notify a trusted friend, neighbor, or landlord of your plans.

These tips and suggestions are applicable to every property. However, The Landlords Association of Tompkins County notes that with a large student population, and high percentage of rental properties in some Central New York communities, it’s particularly important for both landlords and student renters to work together, to ensure their properties remains safe and secure during the holiday season. Landlords are encouraged to talk to renters about holiday safety and security around the home, and renters are encouraged to implement them.

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