Is your oil tank secure and ready for Christmas?

Christmas is nearly here and the weather has been absolutely freezing.

While we know this is perfectly normal for December, it means that inspecting your tank can be a chilly task you might want to put off. However, it’s particularly important to check your tank over in cold weather. Christmas isn’t the best time of year to experience a tank failure. It could make the festivities a rather cold affair… and getting an installer out over the holidays could be tricky.

So, wrap up warm and complete the following oil tank checks:

• Check for leaks, look underneath and all around the tank. If you do find any, make sure you clean them up! Our spill kits contains everything you need.
• Check your oil levels. If there is less than you expect, this could be a sign that you’ve got a leak or oil has been stolen.
• Brush any lying snow from the top of the tank.
• Check pipelines for leaks or damage.
• Check that the ground underneath the tank is still firm and level. Extreme weather can cause problems here.
• Cut back any branches or plants that are encroaching on the tank. Also inspect vents and bund areas to make sure that they aren’t clogged with dead leaves or other debris.

If you notice any problems, don’t delay! Call your OFTEC registered engineer right away. The last thing you want is Christmas spoilt by a problem with your heating.

Beat Christmas Thieves

As awful as it sounds, oil thieves operate all year around and Christmas can be a busy time for them. With families distracted by festivities, it can be easy for them to steal oil undetected.

To avoid fuel theft this Christmas:

• Make sure the area where your tank is located is well lit.
• Take a survey for any areas around your property that might provide thieves with a way in and take appropriate steps to block access. Fix any broken fences or gates.
• Install CCTV or make sure any CCTV you already have is working and its presence is obvious. Just the threat of being recorded is enough to deter some opportunist criminals.
• Install locking lids, locking caps or spin secure oil tank locks

If the worst happens and any of your oil is stolen, ring 101 and report the crime. The police will ask for any evidence you might have, such as CCTV footage or witness accounts of vehicles involved in the theft. Keep a note of the crime number that the police give you and make sure your insurance provider has this along with the details of the theft.

Finally, once you’re happy that tank problems aren’t going to cause you a headache – relax and have a wonderful Christmas!