January 6, 2015

 

Residents,

 

As you have likely heard temperatures are going to drop dramatically in our area today. Temperatures will likely fall below zero and with the wind chill will feel like -5 to -15 degrees. 

 

We are preparing our properties to the best of our ability to prevent freezing pipes and loss of heat.  Please do your part to help prepare and take a moment to read the important reminders below:  

  • IF YOU ARE OUT OF TOWN AND DID NOT LEAVE YOUR HEAT ON PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY SO THAT WE CAN HAVE SOMEONE GO TO YOUR HOME AND TURN IT ON.
  • Leave faucets on with a slight drip tonight until temperatures begin to increase. This MAY prevent your pipes from freezing.  A steady stream of water is not necessary - just a constant steady drip.
  • Contact us immediately if you do not have heat - no heat is considered an emergency.
  • Heating systems in our area are not equipped for the low temperatures we are expecting over the next 48-72 hours. The heat may not reach the temperature you set on your thermostat. This does not mean your heat is not working. If you have warm air coming out of your vents then your heat is working. If you have no heat or cold air coming out of your vents then you have a no heat situation. 
  • Leave cabinet doors open below any sinks in your home to allow heat to flow into those areas (bathrooms, kitchens, etc...).
  • If you turn your faucet on and no water comes out please turn the faucet off immediately and call our Facilities Department. This may mean that your pipes are frozen and therefore have the potential of bursting.
  • If you use an electric space heater make sure you plug it into an outlet - do not use a power strip or extension cord. Also, space heaters have the potential to trip breakers. Know where your panel box is located and how to flip the breaker. We may not be able to respond to half power calls.   
  • Be prepared for the possibility of utility interruptions (electric, cable, cell phone).  Have extra batteries, flash lights, etc. handy.
  • In the case of a power outage or status updates on your service contact Dominion Virginia Power at 888-667-3000. You can also view updates on their website as well.
  • Have extra water and nonperishable food available.
  • Make sure your cell phones and other electronic devices are charged.
  • If you must go out, protect yourself from hypothermia and frostbite by dressing appropriately. Layer your clothing and don't forget gloves, a hat and scarf.
  • Don't forget your pets: Do not leave them outside during this cold spell.  Be sure you have plenty of food and water for them.

 

Please keep in mind that we are also limited in our ability to communicate and respond when there are power outages in the area.  We may not be able to reach you or respond as quickly as you may like.  A pager system is in place at our Facilities Department for calls received after normal business hours and on weekends. Follow the directions on the message - speak clearly and always leave a contact number.  The number at our Facilities Office is 971-6811.

 

As always - if you have a true emergency call 911.

 

Events like this are a good opportunity to review your renter's insurance policy.  Damage to personal property is not the responsibility of the landlord and this includes damage that could occur due to flooding, electricity outages, loss of food, etc.   

 

We appreciate everyone's attention to these important reminders. If you have any questions at all please contact your property manager at the number below.   

 

The Staff at MSC
780 Madison Ave
Charlottesville, VA 22903

434.977-2707 or 434-977-8203
www.livewithmsc.com