Home Alone

“This is my house. I have to defend it.” – Kevin McAllister, Home Alone (1990).

It’s true! You have a special connection with your home and the memories within its walls, so you have to do everything you can to keep it safe.

Throughout the 2023 Christmas holidays, approximately B of people stated they will be visiting friends and family, according to a survey from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). ^[1] This year is sure to be similar. If you’re planning to leave your home unoccupied this winter, whether it be for a few days or longer, then you should consider these tips to protecting your home.

Securing Doors and Windows

Usually, most people will leave their windows and doors shut throughout winter to insulate their home from the cold. However, some are likely to do the opposite every so often.

As the days grow darker and the nights get longer, limiting easy access to your home is essential. If you’re thinking of leaving the house, ensure you lock every entrance to your home, meaning burglars have no simple way of entering.

This routine, paired with security systems, sets you on the right path for optimum home protection.

Surveillance and Smart Security

According to GreenMatch, the percentage of households with smart devices will climb to a staggering 50.2% by 2027. (15.1 million). ^[2]

Devices like Ring Doorbells, security cameras, motion detectors and outdoor lighting all provide a deterrent against burglars, putting them off approaching your home. Many smart devices nowadays will allow you to monitor your home remotely, adding extra peace of mind.

These appliances are shrewd investments that can save you hundreds, or potentially thousands of pounds in the event of a burglary taking place.

Neighbourly Watch

Of course, if you have friends and family close-by, then you can trust them with a set of keys to check your home every so often. However, it must be someone you trust entirely.

If you’re away for a couple of days or longer, then it can be a good idea having someone check your home to ensure everything is all in order. They can check locks and make sure there’s no leaks or electrics left on unattended.

Winter Weather Preparations

Check your roof and your waterpipes for damage or holes before you leave. This reduces the chances of a mishap whilst you’re away.

Additionally, trim back any branches and clear your gutters of debris before they have a chance to damage your property. With high winds and heavy rainfall common in the UK, these small tasks can end up saving you a lot of money.

Insurance Peace of Mind

It’s likely you might miss something off your list when preparing your home for the winter holidays, so insurance is your safety net in the unfortunate event a claim needs to be made.

Make sure your policy is accurate and covers everything you need to avoid any misunderstandings when it comes to making a claim. For example, checking what your policy actually covers and adding anything that may be missing.

Ultimately, your home is your safe space and your biggest investment, so make sure it’s protected from unforeseen risks.

You can make changes to your policy for no additional admin fee with Source. Need to make an amendment? Give us a call today – 029 20 265 265.

References

^[1] Fairey, L. (ed.) (2023) Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: 29 November to 10 December 2023, Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain – Office for National Statistics. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/bulletins/publicopinionsandsocialtrendsgreatbritain/29novemberto10december2023 (Accessed: 07 November 2024).

^[2] Ukpanah, I. (2024) Smart home statistics, GreenMatch.co.uk. Available at: https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/smart-home-statistics (Accessed: 07 November 2024).