Whether you’re planning a holiday or spending time with family, it’s important to keep your home safe this summer.
If you’re heading off on a long trip, remember to turn your mains water off and don’t forget to unplug electronics. Plugged-in electronics can present a fire hazard due to faulty wiring or power surges even when they are on standby or switched off.
Summer also often sees an increase in burglaries and other risks, making it vital to take proactive steps to protect your property.
Here are our top tips for protecting your home this summer:
Secure Doors and Windows
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your home is to ensure that all doors and windows are secure. Before leaving your home, double-check that all entry points are locked. Consider upgrading to high-quality locks and deadbolts for added security. For windows, especially those on the ground floor, installing window locks can be a great deterrent to potential burglars.
Home Security
A comprehensive home security system can provide peace of mind whether you’re home or away. Modern systems often include features such as motion detectors, security cameras and smart doorbells that allow you to monitor your home remotely from your smartphone. The presence of a security system can also act as a strong deterrent to potential burglars.
Use Timers for Lights
If you’re planning to be away from home for an extended period, using time switches for lights can create the illusion that someone is home. Set timers for different rooms to mimic your usual routine, which can help to deter potential burglars. Smart home devices can also now be programmed to control lights and other appliances remotely.
Don’t Advertise Your Absence on Social Media
As tempting as it is to share all your holiday photos/fun whilst you’re away, it can make you a target for burglary, especially if your property is left completely unoccupied. Keep your travel plans off social media until you return and ask a trusted neighbour or friend to keep an eye on your property while you’re away.
Safeguard Valuables
Store valuable items such as jewellery, electronics and important documents in a secure location such as a safe. Also avoid hiding spare keys under doormats or in flowerpots that an intruder could find…
Maintain Your Garden
An overgrown garden can be a sign that a property is unoccupied. Keep your lawn trimmed and ensure that any hedges or shrubs near windows are well-maintained to eliminate hiding spots. Additionally, store any tools or equipment securely to prevent them from being used to gain entry to your home.
Outdoor Lighting
Adequate outdoor lighting can deter intruders from approaching your home. Motion-activated lights are particularly effective as they can startle potential burglars and draw attention to suspicious activity. Ensure that all entry points including front and back doors are well lit.
It’s also a good idea to safely store or cover valuable bulky items in your garden, such as garden furniture or barbeques, to keep them out of sight of prying eyes.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a worry-free summer knowing that your home is best protected if you’re on holiday.
Most insurance policies specify the number of days a property can be left empty and whilst most standard one or two week summer holidays don’t need to be declared, if you plan on leaving your property empty for a significant period of time, you should let your insurer or insurance broker know. Check your insurance policy terms and conditions for details of specific unoccupancy periods.
As we’ve seen over the past couple of years, summer can also bring its own set of challenges such as heatwaves or unexpected storms. Regular maintenance checks of your roof and gutters can help prevent weather-related damage.
We hope you found this useful and hope you have a wonderful summer!
