Business Stream, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scottish Water, said more than 1200 Scottish businesses suffered burst pipes during last year’s big freeze, the most severe winter for 100 years
It had a 20% increase in calls to its customer services team during winter 2010, when the big freeze was estimated to have cost the Scottish economy up to £15 million a day.
Business Stream's new winter alerts service will update customers with weather information and also highlight steps which can be taken to help significantly reduce the risk of damage to property
It has also urged businesses to take pre-emptive measures to protect themselves against freezing temperatures, including making sure pipes and water meters are lagged; and leaving heating on at low levels when premises are empty;
Stuart Henderson, commercial manager at Business Stream, said: “No-one can predict the future, but the winter alert system could provide enough advance warning of cold weather closing in to allow businesses and other organisations to prepare.
“I’d stress, however, that putting precautions in place before the winter arrives properly is the most effective way of protecting premises from burst pipes, flooding, and a lot of expensive repair works.
“Last year caused misery for businesses all over the country Many of them hadn’t taken the proper precautions in advance, which resulted in lost revenue and weeks of hassle for a lot of different organisations.”
To find out more about Business Stream’s new alert service please visit:
http://www.business-stream.co.uk/emergencies/winter-alerts
Businesses can also find advice on preventing burst pipes at:
