Pest control

• Ensure that you service your air-conditioning unit at least once a year.
• Enlist only qualified air-conditioning service personnel.
• Ensure that clogged/dirty filters are routinely cleaned or replaced.
• Clean and flush the unit’s drain line regularly to prevent excess moisture.
• Keep external doors and windows closed.
• Keep windows, which are exposed to the sun, shaded by using internal blinds or curtains.

Gas barbecue grilling safety guidelines

Ensure that you take proper precautions while enjoying a grilling session with family and friends

• If you store your barbecue or patio heater indoors when not in use, you should always detach the gas bottle first and store it separately outdoors.
• Gas bottles should always be stored upright and away from any ignition sources.
• Never use your barbecue indoors because of the risk of toxic fumes, smoke or fire.
• Children should be kept safely away from barbecues and gas bottles.
• Cracked or damaged hoses and/or gas regulators should be replaced before use.
• Check hoses occasionally to make sure they have not perished by brushing or spraying on soapy water and checking for bubbles.
• Check connections to make sure that they are clean and fitting snugly.
• Always read the barbecue manufacturer’s operating instructions.
• When you have finished using your barbecue, turn off the gas bottle first and then at the barbecue controls.
• If you notice any leakage from the valve of a small cylinder, move the cylinder to a safe location at least 20 metres from any possible source of ignition.

The above guidelines are only applicable to villas. For residents living in apartment communities, barbecuing is only permitted at the designated barbecue stations.

In an emergency, dial 997 for Dubai Civil Defence or 999 for Dubai Police.

It’s crucial that you take precautions to ensure your home is always protected against fire hazards

• Conduct regular maintenance of the smoke/heat detectors within your villa.
• Refrain from smoking in non-designated areas.
• Refrain from storing flammable liquids/materials in your garage or balconies.
• Avoid overloading electrical circuits with too many high voltage appliances, such as televisions and computers.
• Don’t throw cigarette butts – lit or otherwise – from your property.
• Refer to the fire safety fact sheet and a quick guide during an emergency for more information.

Here are a few things you can do to secure your home before leaving for vacation

• Turn off your water supply till you are back. This will prevent any leaks that could damage your property.
• Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
• Secure your home effectively; close and lock all windows and doors.
• Discontinue newspaper subscriptions and deliveries to your home.
• Give a key to a trusted friend or neighbour so they can check your villa periodically.
• Do not leave unsecured items on your balcony/terrace that can be easily removed.
• If you have a burglar or intrusion alarm, activate it.
• Lock all valuables and cash in an approved and securely fastened safe.
• Unplug all unnecessary appliances such as televisions, stereos and personal computers (take care not to turn off the power to any alarm systems).
• Unplug or turn off the ringer on all telephones and answering machines.
• Refer to the home safety tips fact sheet for more information.

• Use the shutoff valves under or behind the sink to turn off water to a faulty fixture.
• If you notice a leak in the bath or shower, stop using it, turn off the water at the fixture and arrange for a repair service.
• If there is a leak in the water heater, use the shutoff valve on top of the heater to turn off the water before draining the unit.
• If you notice water spots, try to trace the leaks to one location (toilet, sink or tub) and turn off the water to that fixture. Arrange for service through a third party provider.