Protecting your home

Protecting your home


There are various ways we can protect our homes from the following:

Fire

Smoke alarms really do save lives. Fit them throughout your home and test them regularly, replace batteries every year. If in doubt, most local fire services will visit your home free of charge to advise on where you should put smoke alarms and to point out any fire hazards you should be aware of.

Kitchens are where most home fires start. Use a thermostatically controlled deep fat fryer if you regularly cook with oil. Be careful with lit candles and cigarettes, make sure they are properly extinguished and never smoke in bed. Don’t overload electrical sockets. Use fireguards with open fires and have your chimney swept regularly. Remember to switch off electrical equipment at the socket – preferably don’t leave TVs or stereos on standby – and unplug them when on holiday. Make sure bonfires and barbecues are a safe distance from fences, trees, shrubs, sheds and your home.

Theft

Security locks on doors and windows are your first line of defence. Make sure they’re adequate and use them even if you are just popping out for five minutes! 5 lever mortice deadlocks can provide additional security for doors and key operated locks for windows – double glazing is recommended for windows too. Fit outside doors with toughened glass.

When on holiday, cancel papers and milk and ask someone to collect your post so that there are no tell-tale piles of letters on your doormat. Lock your valuables away and use timed switches for lights. Don’t leave DIY or garden equipment outside, lock it in a shed or in the house. Never leave keys near letterboxes as they could be easily taken without a thief having to get into your home. An alarm from an approved supplier will not only help protect your home, it could also bring down the cost of your premium. Join your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme, or if there isn’t one, why not start one?

Burst pipes

Most burst pipes happen in the winter when the water freezes. Proper insulation and lagging will help protect pipes and tanks in the loft and outside.

Leaks

Check your radiator valves regularly for leaks. Guttering should be kept clear of leaves and moss and any damaged sections repaired. Damp patches, blistered paint and areas of mildew in your home, could be signs of slow leaks. Keep an eye on washing appliances and make sure they are properly fitted. Check overflows around your home periodically, as well as ball cocks on toilets.

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