Information for home owners

You already enjoy the peace of mind of having your home covered by one of the UK’s largest insurance companies but here are a few tips to make sure you’re safe and comfortable.

Reducing your risk of fire

• Fit smoke detectors and check they’re working regularly
• Check wiring on electrical goods regularly
• Make sure cigarettes, matches and candles are put out completely
• Store flammable liquids, like methylated spirit or petrol, away from sources of heat

Beating bad weather

Floods

Often it’s not possible to completely prevent a flood but you can take steps to limit the damage.

• Turn off electricity, gas and mains water and don’t use it again until it has been checked by qualified tradesmen
• Block sinks and baths with a weighed down plug to prevent floodwater coming in through the drains
• Move as many belongings as possible to upper floors
• Telephone your insurer as soon as you can

Winter weather

With a few simple steps your home will be safe and sound in freezing weather.

• Fit plenty of lagging to pipes, tanks and cisterns
• Insulate your loft
• Repair dripping taps
• Shut off the water supply using your main stopcock and turn all the taps on to drain the system
• Prune trees to avoid damage from falling branches

Beating the burglars

Try these few steps to keep the thieves out.

• Have burglar alarms installed by a professioal
• Fit good door and window locks
• Keep all valuables out of sight
• Lock all ladders in outbuildings
• Join a neighbourhood watch scheme