With Credit to NNWA News( Autumn 1999 edition ) /CGU Insurance
| FAMILIARITY WITH YOUR HOME |
Check internal water pipes are adequately
lagged
|
| Do you know where your water stopcock is? | Check electrics every 5 years |
| Do you know position of drains and access to them? | Check for dripping taps and repair |
| Do you know position of incoming water main and external valve? | SECURITY |
| Do you know where your electricity main fuses are? | Check window/door locks conform to minimum British Standards |
| EXTERNAL CHECKS | Check all windows/doors locked if away from home |
| Check roof for loose or damaged slates | Check lights left on if away or after dark |
| Check roof for damage to flashings etc. | Check papers/milk not left around if on holiday |
| Check guttering - clean any blockages, check for damage/looseness | Check keys not left under mat, inside letter box etc. |
| Check pointing/brickwork/dampness | Check washing regularly while on line |
| Check above on chimneys plus chimney pot. | Check jewellery/cash/videos/TVs/computers not in easy view |
| Ensure chimneys swept at least one a year | Check garages/sheds are locked |
| Check TV and FM aerials firmly fixed. | Check ladders and tools are locked away |
| Check external woodwork on windows for condition, puttying etc. | SAFETY |
| Check external doors for above | Check fire guards used over open fires and heaters in rooms |
| Check flat roofs for damage, water retention. | Check electric blankets for safety and switch off when not in use |
| Check drains for blockage/damage/leakage. | Check electric plugs are taken out of sockets at night or while away |
| GARDEN | Check all cigarettes are completely out before disposing of them |
| Check condition of fences, gates etc. | Check chip pans. Never leave them unattended. |
| Check condition of garage/doors/roof | GUARD AGAINST BAD WEATHER |
| Check condition of wooden sheds, garages for waterproofing, rot etc. | Check you don't risk frozen or burst pipes - keep home warm |
| Check condition of all pathways, driveways, steps. | Check for dripping taps and overflows |
| Check trees, shrubs etc. pruned to reasonable height. | Check for frozen pipes by turning on taps one at a time to locate frozen area |
| INTERNAL | Check if you can free them by gently warming - hot towels or hair dryer |
| Check for woodworm, dry rot | Try a mixture of salt and hot water for frozen waste pipes |
| Check condition of radiators/heating pipes for leaks, rust | If pipes totally frozen or burst, turn off main with water key or stop cock |
| Check condition of central heating boilers | Check you have turned off boiler or immersion heater; if pipes burst turn off electricty |
| Have gas and electric fittings checked for safety by qualified fitter. | Check all taps turned on and leave to drain leak DO NOT DRAIN CENTRAL HEATING |
Last updated Sept24 2000