Holiday
Before you go on holiday or leave your property unoccupied follow these useful security steps.
Cancel deliveries of milk or newspapers.
Fix a wire basket to your letterbox to collect the mail.
Don't close the curtains, ask a neighbour to draw them in the evening.
Make use of an automatic light switch.
Let your local police know you are away.
Ask a neighbour to check your house.
Securely lock all windows and doors.
Put all garden furniture, tools etc. in the shed or garage and make sure that these are securely locked.
Set alarm systems and smoke detectors.
Place valuable items out of sight of the windows.
Do not leave keys hidden in the garden or the home.
Check your insurance policy is up to date.
If you are away for more than 30 days:
Certain restrictions in cover apply, refer to your policy for details.
Some useful precautions for fire prevention
Use a secure fireguard on fires and heaters.
Site portable heaters where they cannot be knocked over.
Have chimneys swept at least once a year.
Repair faulty wiring, frayed leads and loose plugs as soon as you notice the fault. Carry out spot checks.
Unplug electrical appliances before you go to bed.
Do not overload an electrical point.
Use electrical appliances in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Do not hang washing on stoves or cookers.
Avoid careless smoking, especially in bedrooms.
Keep matches and lighters away from children.
When storing and using flammable liquids follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Prepare an escape plan to be used in the event of a fire.
Install at least one smoke detector in your home.
In the event of a Gas Leak
DO NOT:
Smoke.
Use naked flames.
Turn electric switches on or off.
DO:
Turn off the gas supply at the meter.
Open doors and windows to let the gas escape.
Call the gas emergency service
Weather Hazards
You can reduce the risk of water damage to your home when the temperature drops below freezing by taking some simple precautions. These include:
Replace washers on dripping taps.
Lag your pipes and water tanks.
Check your water stop valve operates easily.
Have your central heating checked regularly.
Keep your central heating on during freezing weather even when your home is unoccupied.
If you live near a river or on the coast be aware of flood warnings. These are normally issued to the police and media. Local television, radio and teletext will advise of flood warnings.
If a flood is imminent:
Move valuables to the upper floors of your home.
Block doorways and airbricks with sandbags or other padding material.
Be prepared to move to the upper floors of your home. You will need to take food, water, warm clothing and a radio with you.
If your home is flooded:
Move to the upper floors of your home.
Boil tap water before use.
Do not use electricity or gas. Turn off the electricity at the mains.
Have water, gas and electricity tested prior to resuming use.
Lock away personal possessions if you have to vacate your home.
After a flood:
Remove all wet floor coverings and clean affected walls thoroughly.
Let floorboards dry before relaying carpets.
Oil door hinges to prevent rusting.
Allow the building to dry before redecorating.
Check the condition of your floorboards after 6 months.
Storm
To help minimise damage to your home from storms:
Ensure your tiles and guttering are secure.
Have gutters and drains cleared regularly.