In the run up to the festive season, it’s all too easy to become distracted and lose focus on home safety and security.
So, to protect you and your loved ones this Christmas, it’s worth taking time to check your home is safe and secure.
Here are our top ten tips:
Avoid your Christmas tree lights overheating by turning them off when you go out or before you go to bed.
Don’t power your external Christmas lights by feeding an extension cable through a partially open window. Burglars look out for this weak point in home security during the festive season.
Never leave a lit candle in an unattended room. You know it makes sense but every year more than 200 house fires are caused by candles!
Did you know opening Christmas presents is one of the top ten causes of injuries? And we’re not just talking paper cuts people have been known to accidentally stab themselves with scissors, screwdrivers and other sharp implements in the rush to open awkward gift packaging.
Stock up on batteries for toys and gadgets – that way you won’t be tempted to remove batteries from a smoke alarm.
And on the subject of smoke alarms, don’t forget to test both your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month and replace the batteries regularly.
Over Christmas and New Year bin collections may not be on your usual day – with this in mind, don’t put out the box that contained your new 4K TV or sound system ahead of time – it advertises your latest gifts to thieves!
If you are going away over the festive season, take care not to post photos or messages on social media that advertise you’re not at home.
Use a timer switch to turn a light on at night and if your driveway is going to be empty consider offering the parking spot to a neighbour so that it looks like your home is occupied.
Don’t forget to keep your heating ticking over if you’re going away to avoid burst pipes. Make sure all external pipes are lagged too.
As always, the team at Brookings are here to help with any property queries, so please get in touch with our team. On behalf of everyone here at Brookings, we wish you a very happy and safe Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
