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With Winter well under way the team in Autoline in Newry has put together a simple check list for homes and businesses in the area to ensure they are ready and protected whatever the weather.
Denise Curtis, Personal Lines Manager, Autoline Newry said, “We don’t have to look back too far to remember the big freeze of ‘spring’ 2013 or the long, long winter which led us into that period. We are constantly speaking to customers about what they can do to protect themselves, their families, property, and possessions in preparation for the winter. We have put together a list of simple hints and tips to help you prepare or feel free to phone or call into the branch if you require any further advice.”
Freezing and burst pipes can be a real problem
The best way to safeguard your pipes is to insulate them – burst pipes can be a nightmare and prevention is better than a cure. Leave the central heating on for short periods of time throughout the day, and leave the trap door to the roof-space open to allow a flow of warm air. Locate your stopcock – so that you can turn off the entire supply in an emergency.
Water Damage - carry out an annual check on the outside of your property
It's worth taking 10 minutes to do some basic checks around the home to help prevent a small leak from becoming a disaster. Stand in your garden and have a look at the roof and check if snow has dislodged any tiles.
Clear gutters and drainpipes of leaves to prevent blockages and overflows
Have your boiler serviced at least once a year
This can ensure that small issues do not turn into a very cold and costly winter.
Protect against burglary
Insurance claims increase in winter as burglars take advantage of the longer hours of darkness. Most burglars are opportunists, so make sure your home isn't an easy target. Simple measures such as security lighting, key-operated window and door locks and door bolts can go a long way towards deterring a burglar, as will a good guard dog!
Protect against a fire
A fire in the home is probably our most feared hazard. Many fires start at night, so make sure you have a bedtime fire safety routine to help keep your home and family safe. Here are a few simple things which you should do every night:
Unplug all electrical appliances not designed to stay on
Make sure no cigarettes or candles are left burning
Before emptying ashtrays make sure the contents are cold
Put a guard around open fires
Switch off portable heaters
Close the doors of all unoccupied rooms
Be sure your family knows how to get out of the house in case of fire
Make absolutely sure that you have a working smoke alarm
Have a home emergency kit on standby containing torches, tinned food, warm clothing, blankets, and of course, your home insurance documents.
Home Emergency Cover
Having home emergency cover in place can give you much-needed peace of mind in the hectic and costly festive season. If you have an emergency at home such as blocked or burst pipes or a wiring problem, access to trades people can be difficult and the costs can run into hundreds of pounds before anyone has set foot through the door. With Home Emergency cover, for a very small fee you can have peace of mind knowing that should the worst happen a tradesman is just a phone call away.
Check your insurance policy
Speak to your Insurance Broker to ensure that the cover you have is really suitable for your needs. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to Home Insurance. It is estimated that a high proportion of home owners are under insured. Remember, it is the replacement value of the item you are insuring that counts, not the amount you paid for it. And finally, check the small print. Remember, if the premium was cheap, the cover may not be cheerful.
Denise added, “There are many ways in which you can be prepared for the forthcoming winter so take action now and make sure that even if a storm is brewing you are as prepared as you could possibly be.”
For further information please contact Autoline Newry on 08452 303030 or call into the office at Ashtree Enterprise Park on the Rathfriland Road.
