Happier holidays
You can help your clients reduce seasonal risk by passing on these tips, says Helen Brown
- Christmas tree lights
Invest in a new set of lights every few years, as an old set can develop faults. A Grade I listed Georgian house suffered thousands of pounds of damage when the family’s tree, which was elaborately decorated with three sets of lights, caused a fire. During a party on New Year’s Eve, a malfunctioning set of lights set the tree on fire; the flames engulfed the curtains and quickly spread. Luckily, all the guests escaped without serious injury. - Open fire
When you light the fire for the first time this winter, it’s worth making sure that the chimney has been swept to remove soot and any debris left by nesting birds. It’s also essential to have an appropriate guard to stop flying sparks causing damage. - Electrical sockets
Don’t let sockets become overloaded with televisions, computer games consoles and Christmas lights. They aren’t designed to take such loads – even through extension blocks. Such equipment should always be turned off when not in use – don’t even leave televisions on standby. - Presents
As well as keeping presents away from tree lights, make sure they can’t be seen by anyone looking in your windows. Heartless thieves will pounce on the chance to steal thousands of pounds worth of gadgets, clothes and toys. - Candles
Candles give your house a warm and cosy atmosphere, but be sure to extinguish them all before heading up to bed. - Table lamps
No lights on in the house in winter could signal to thieves that no one is home. Set one or two table lamps with low-energy light bulbs on a timer switch, so they give the impression that someone is there. Make sure outside security lights are also working. - Central heating
It’s important to have the boiler serviced before the onset of winter, when it will see its maximum usage for heating radiators and running hot water for baths. If you’re going away, programme the heating to come on for a couple of hours each day, so there are no burst pipes to deal with when you return home.
