Page Category: Lifestyle

Landscaping

Here are some tips from our landscaping team to help you keep your landscaping lush and healthy.

• Maintain a mowing height of 2.5 to 3 inches but during summer, increase this to 3 or 3.5 inches to reduce water loss from your soil.
• Check your irrigation system for leaks periodically.
• Water your landscaping as per its requirements and not just every day.
• Apply water directly to the roots of plants to minimise evaporation and water runoff.
• Avoid mid-day watering – instead, water in the early hours before sunrise to lessen water loss through evaporation and daytime winds.
• Choose plants that are native to the arid climate of the Middle East and require less water such as desert rose, flame trees, bougainvillea, neem, palms and hibiscus.
• Make adjustments to watering durations as needed; for example, shaded or protected areas may need less water than patches that are always under the sun.
• For better efficiency, install a drip irrigation system to minimise evaporation.
• Water brown spots by hand and check your irrigation system; lawns usually develop brown spots because of faults in the sprinkler system.
• Planting seeds in the common areas (outside the boundary of your villa) is prohibited.
• Refer to the landscaping fact sheet for more information.

Home fixes

If you run into plumbing or electrical hitches in and around your home, here are a few points to keep in mind.

• 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.
• If a power outage occurs, inspect all circuit breakers. If a breaker is damaged, arrange for service. If they’re not damaged, turn them all off and back on again, one at a time.
• If there is no power to an outlet, check if it is connected to a wall switch that has not been turned on before you inspect the circuit breakers. Reset any that may have turned off.
• If a hanging light fixture does not work, a connection along the circuit may be broken. Check if wall switches, circuit breakers and the bulb has been installed properly.
• If you have a stuck window, use a putty or plastic knife to gently score the edges and prise the window open. Once open, apply a thin layer of paraffin wax around the edges.
• If you’re getting an odour around your home after a vacation, the drain pipes may have dried up. Try pouring water down the drains.
• Indoor plants may release an odour if left unattended for long periods. Inspect your plants and prune any rotting parts if necessary.
• A buildup of dust and moisture can cause exhaust fan to spin slowly. Clean the fans periodically to ensure optimal performance.
• Clean the railings of any sliding doors occasionally with a toothbrush and then vacuum to remove accumulated grime.
• Clean mildew spots with a three percent solution of hydrogen peroxide for a quick fix.
• If you need to increase the flow pressure of your taps, fit them with aerators – they save water too. Simply unscrew the spout, and screw the aerator onto the tap.

Holiday tips

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.

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.

Fire safety

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 or apartment.
• 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.

Air conditioning

Here are a few steps to ensure your air conditioner is working flawlessly all year round.

• 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.
• Refer to the energy-saving fact sheet for more information.