The Big Freeze
Five pieces of advice to help your household customers minimise their chances of having to claim this winter1. Get weatherproof
Winter means wild weather – and heavy rain and high winds can cause lots of external property damage. Be prepared! Encourage your clients to check the condition of their roof, looking for any loose slates, cracked or broken tiles. Clear out the gutters to stop blocks and overflows. Make sure gates, outside doors and external light fittings are all securely fastened. Cut back any low branches that could cause storm damage
in high winds.
2. Switch off
As the temperature drops, one in five of us switch on electric blankets to keep us warm in bed. But take heed: Cornwall County Fire Brigade estimates that more than 5,000 house fires are caused every year by electric blankets, and damage costs from fires caused by electric blankets, oil radiators and electric heaters average at £500. Accidents like these are easily prevented. Encourage clients to put timer switches on electrical devices so they don’t get left on accidentally. Simple things such as keeping objects at a safe distance from any heat source and reading the appliance instructions can also prevent an expensive insurance claim.
3. Wrap up
We wear more layers to keep warm in winter and our houses need extra layers too. Proper loft insulation will not only bring heating bills down but will also help prevent pipes bursting. Check that any existing insulation is still in good condition and that it is laid on top of pipes rather than under them. Fix any dripping taps and fit lagging to tanks and cisterns. Finally, it might seem old-fashioned, but putting up heavier winter curtains to keep the temperature of your house up will also help.
4. Lock up
Long, dark nights attract crime. Home Office figures and research conducted by HBOS suggest that the number of burglaries with forced entry rise to one a minute in winter. But straightforward security measures can reduce the risk of homes becoming a target. Fit locks on windows and mortice locks on doors. Don’t leave valuables where they can be seen from the outside – this includes keys. Keep tools locked away outside in sheds with security locks. And don’t forget to fit a burglar alarm.
5. Going away?
Whether your clients are visiting family or heading off to the Alps to ski, their homes need the same care and attention while they are away. Keeping the house warm when on holiday by setting the central heating to maintain a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius will protect pipes from bursting and ensure that the heating is still in good working order when they get back. Setting timers on lights to come on at night will deter any would-be burglars, as will cancelling any deliveries. Plus, Royal Mail has a Keepsafe service where they hold mail to prevent a telltale build-up of post.
