How to protect your home

Steps to take to protect your home

1. Guard against fire
There are 60,000 house fires in the UK every year, and yet one in five homes doesn’t have a smoke alarm. Install both smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, and make sure you never leave open flames unattended.

2. Protect against burglary
One in three burglaries happen when doors and windows are left unlocked, so make sure your house is secure. Locks, burglar alarms, and – at the extreme end of home security - motion sensitive lights, are likely to scare away potential burglars. They may also result in you getting a discount on your premium. If there is a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area, it is wise to join. If you have a milk and paper order cancel this when you go on holiday or a pile at the front door will be a giveaway to thieves. If you can, get a trustworthy neighbour to watch over the house until you return.

3. Protect against flooding
If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, there are a few precautions you can take, such as ensuring you have home insurance that covers flood damage. You can also move electricity meters higher so they’re out of flood depth, and have a stock of sandbags in case of an emergency. It is also advisable to use water resistant materials when fitting kitchen and bathroom units to prevent damage.

4. Prevent damp
Damp ruins the look and environment of a home, and can even cause structural damage if allowed to spread. Clear out your gutters every autumn to stop leaves blocking them and causing them to overflow. Also, check your roof for broken or missing tiles to ensure it is still waterproof.

5. Watch out for vermin
Not only are rats and mice unpleasant to have in your home, they can also chew through electrical wiring creating a fire hazard. If you suspect you have an infestation, put down traps and poison. If this is unsuccessful, call an exterminator.

6. Protect your foundations
Any disturbance to your home’s foundations can cause huge problems. Some large trees have very long roots that can interfere with foundations, so keep an eye on those planted close to your property and think carefully before planting new ones.

Subsidence is also a threat and occurs when the soil underneath a property dries out and makes its foundations unstable. There is little that can be done to prevent subsidence, but look for large cracks in the walls – especially ones that change depending on the season. If you think your home is at risk, let your home insurance company know as soon as possible.

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