Beat the Heat: Protecting Your Home for Summer

As a homeowner, you may feel like summer is the safest time for your home. The weather is much milder with less wind and rain, and the days are lighter for longer. What’s not to love?

However, there are other things to keep an eye out for over the sunnier months. Follow our tips below to ensure you avoid any midsummer mishaps.

Keep Windows and Doors Shut When Necessary

There’s nothing like a cool breeze when the weather is warm, which can be eased by opening windows and doors in the daytime.

Remember to shut them when you leave the home, or you leave an open invitation for burglars.

Important note: If your home is broken into via an open window or door, your may lose out on a claim.

Check Your Security Systems

Security systems such as burglar alarms, doorbell cameras, and motion detectors should be monitored regularly to ensure they’re in working order.

If you don’t currently have any of these measures installed, it’s worth considering adding them to give you that extra peace of mind when you’re out at the beach or sleeping soundly upstairs.

Remember to double-check the locks of your windows and doors to prevent breaking and entering.

Keep Any Valuables Out of View

Keep your valuables in drawers and cupboards to keep them safe from potential burglaries.

By hiding them from windows and easily accessible places like porches, you significantly reduce the risk of housebreaks.

Top tip: Keep curtains shut overnight to limit what people can see in your home.

Taking Summer Holiday Precautions

Before jetting off to paradise, make sure you have plans in place to keep your home safe.

• Have someone check your home frequently to ensure windows and doors are shut and taps are turned off. Cut the chances of water damage and other surprises.
• Don’t post publicly on social media – only share posts with people you know! Don’t advertise your holiday to unknown entities.
• Unplug electronic appliances and reset automated timers to reduce risk of electrical fires. Appliances can include washing machines, toasters, ovens, electric fireplaces and lights.
• Remember to trim your garden hedges and other outdoor features before leaving to show the property is lived in.
• Ensure cars and bikes are left in garages if property is empty. This helps keep break-in targets to a minimum.

Summary

Ultimately, a lot can be done to keep your home safe during summer, and although it seems like a safer time of year than the darker months, many factors still need to be considered.

By following our guide, you can save yourself and your insurers a headache, allowing you to enjoy your well-deserved holiday in peace!

Found this guide helpful? Take a look at our other article, which delves into the different areas you should consider before renewing your home insurance policy. Click here

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