Your property is vulnerable to a range of ills, from those inflicted by nature to more intentional and insidious instances of human malevolence in the form of burglars. Either way, it’s wise to be constantly aware of the dangers lurking out there that are liable to strike at any time, and not to let your guard down, especially at night and when going away for a while.
Your property is vulnerable to a range of ills, from those inflicted by nature to more intentional and insidious instances of human malevolence in the form of burglars. Either way, it’s wise to be constantly aware of the dangers lurking out there that are liable to strike at any time, and not to let your guard down, especially at night and when going away for a while.
If, or rather when, something happens and your house is struck by the likes of a falling tree or subsidence, or if a burglar gets past your locks and alarms, you need to have the appropriate level of household insurance in place to minimise the possibly huge expenses.
Having buildings insurance is a condition of getting a mortgage, and everyone should have this cover even if a home is owned outright. Insurance will cover the cost of rebuilding your property from scratch if the worst happens. It is also a good idea to take out contents insurance against loss and accidental damage to your personal effects. There are all sorts of extras that can be included in the basic policy, such as protecting freezer contents, and very valuable items may need individual cover. Check that you are not paying the premiums for cover you do not need, and conversely that the appropriate cover you do need is in place and is at a realistic sum assured.
Here are just a few tips on protecting your property, although there are many other precautions you can take and crime prevention organisations are always there for more comprehensive advice. Most police stations have a crime prevention officer on the staff who will give sound advice on how to protect your home.
- Check that all the locks are working correctly on sheds, windows and doors. These locks should bear the British Standard kite mark to show that they are manufactured to a high standard. Apart from actually protecting against burglary, the correct functioning of such locks will almost certainly be a condition of your insurance cover, and this may be invalidated if they are defective in some way.
- Keep things like garden ornaments, tables and ladders out of sight because burglars can use these as aids to gaining entry. Ladders especially need to be kept locked away when not in use, but also lengths of wood and chairs should be kept in a locked garden shed or in the garage whenever possible.
- Pay particular attention to the lighting in and around the property. Burglars will think twice before trying to get into a house that is occupied. Do not rely only on public lighting in your street because this is often dim and can often fail. Have security lights fitted to the front and rear walls of your house and test that the sensors have the correct range. Before you go away on holiday set up timer lights inside the house to come on at certain times of the evening and switch off again a couple of hours later. If you get on well with the neighbours they can draw and open the curtains while you’re away and collect the post, so that it appears that you are still at home.
- Always check that everything is switched off when you leave the house, such as gas hobs and electrical appliances such as washing machines and tumble dryers.
- Have smoke alarms and a burglar alarm fitted. It is also a good idea to install a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and garage.
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