Safe As Houses?
Smarter Safe makes sense because, if you keep your inventory list in your home, it could be stolen or destroyed along with your other belongings through theft, flood or fire.
Home Security Tips
Use these links to find tips and advice about many different aspects of securing your home.
Protect Your Home When You Are Away
Monitor Your Home with a Webcam
Home Safety Tips
Safety in the home is an important but often overlooked topic. Here are a few suggestions to help you stay safe at home.
Fire Risks
Whether you're a home owner or a tenant, there are certain simple precautions you should always take, to minimise the risk of fire in your home.
Fit a smoke alarm
Make sure your home is fitted with at least one smoke alarm. Smoke alarms are cheap and easy to install, and can be bought at any DIY or electrical shop. Remember to test the batteries regularly to check they're still working.
Minimise the risks of electrical fires
There are several things you can do to help prevent electrical fires:
- unplug appliances that aren't in use
- never overload adaptors with too many plugs
- get electrical appliances tested by an approved contractor.
Be careful with heaters, candles and smoking
- Keep heaters at a safe distance from flammable materials and always unplug electrical heaters when not in use.
- Never cover heaters, for example by draping washing over them.
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Never leave matches where children may find them.
- Never empty a hot ashtray into the bin - wet the contents first or wait until it's completely cold.
- Never smoke in bed.
Plan a fire escape route
Plan what you would do if there were a fire in your home and always keep the escape routes clear. Make sure everyone in your home is familiar with the escape plan. If the main exit from your home locks with a key, make sure the key is always easily accessible and everyone in your household knows where it's kept.
Plan what to do in an emergency
If a fire breaks out in your home:
- Get everyone out
- Stay out
- Dial the Emergency Services immediately
Other things to remember include:
- if possible, close all doors behind you as you get out - this will delay the spread of fire
- if you need to open a closed door, check to see whether it feels hot first - if it does, there may be fire behind it so don't open it
- if there's a lot of smoke, stay as low to the ground as you can and cover your nose and mouth with a cloth
- if you need to break a window to get out, cover the edges with a cloth so you don't cut yourself when you climb out. If possible, throw soft things like bedding out to cushion your fall.
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Electrical Safety
What are the dangers?
If electrical items in your home are unsafe, you could be at risk of:
- electric shocks - severe electric shocks can cause heart failure
- electrical burns - these can require major surgery and can be permanently damaging
- fire - every year, 12,500 fires are caused in UK homes by electrical faults.
What are the danger signs?
You can also check for possible danger signs yourself. These include:
- plugs or wall sockets which are overheating or are scorched or cracked
- cables or wires which are loose, exposed or fraying
- a burning smell when appliances are switched on
- fuses which blow frequently.
If you are concerned about any of the electrical installations or appliances in your home, speak to your landlord or call in an electrician immediately.
How can I reduce the risks?
There are several things you can do to minimise risks of electrical shocks or fires in your home. For example:
- Make sure cables from electrical appliances (including extension cables) don't run underneath carpets or rugs.
- Don't overload wall sockets. If you need to use an adaptor, use a multi-socket trailing adaptor, not a multi-way adaptor that plugs straight into the socket.
- If you need to use an extension cable, don't use a longer one than you need. Don't keep extension cables coiled, as they may overheat.
- Don't exceed the recommended bulb wattage for light fittings.
- Don't put too high a fuse in plugs
- Never use mains powered equipment in bathrooms or near water.
- Don't leave electrical appliances switched on or on stand by when you're not using them - this will save you money as well as improve safety.
- Electric blankets are a common cause of fires it is recommended that you get them serviced every three years.
- Make sure that your home has smoke alarms fitted and that they are all in working order.
- Make sure you can access the the fuse box and meter easily. Keep a torch nearby, so you can see what you're doing if the lights go out.
- Don't touch or use any electrical items that you think are unsafe.
- Plan what to do in case of fire and be aware of all escape routes.
- Make sure that exit routes are always kept clear.
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Gas Safety
There are important steps you should take to keep your home safe. If you're renting your home, many of these are your landlord's responsibility.
Check for danger signs around gas appliances
These include:
- sooty marks
- yellow or orange flames instead of blue (although this probably won't apply if you have a 'real flame' gas fire)
- pilot lights that blow out frequently
- excessive condensation on windows.
Get a carbon monoxide detector
A carbon monoxide detector is not the same as a smoke alarm. Carbon monoxide detectors alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide in the air by flashing a light and sounding an alarm.
Ideally, you should have a detector in every room that contains gas appliances. If you have a gas fire in the bedroom, it's particularly important to have a detector there. This is because carbon monoxide leaks are very dangerous when you're asleep, as you won't notice the initial warning signs, such as tiredness or dizziness.
There is no legal requirement for your landlord to install carbon monoxide detectors, but it's a good idea to ask for one anyway. If your landlord won't provide one, it may be worth considering fitting one yourself.
Have gas safety checks carried out every year
Gas safety checks should be carried out at least once a year. If you are a tenant, it's your landlord's responsibility to arrange this. All rented properties must have valid gas safety certificates, a copy of which should be given to the tenants.
Gas safety checks must be carried out by approved gas installers. CORGI (the Council for Registered Gas Installers) is the national watchdog for gas safety in the UK. The engineer will check:
- the gas supply pipework
- that all gas appliances are working safely
- that all gas flues are working safely and are suitable
- that gas appliances have adequate ventilation.
Get repair work carried out immediately
If you suspect that any gas appliances in your home may be faulty, you should either:
- report this to your landlord immediately if you are renting, or
- get the appliance checked over by an approved gas installer if you are a home owner.
Remember: never DIY with gas, it's dangerous and likely to be illegal.
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Home Security Tips
Fit locks and other security devices
Make sure that all the doors and windows to your property have adequate locks - and make sure you always lock up before you go out!
Doors should be fitted with a five lever mortice lock and windows should fasten with a key, which must then be kept out of sight. However, make sure everyone in your home knows where the keys are kept in case of an emergency such as a fire. Doors and door and window frames should be strong and in good condition, so they can't be broken easily. You could also consider fitting:
- a chain on the door
- a spyhole
- an alarm.
If you live in rented accommodation and don't feel the property is sufficiently secure, ask your landlord to fit new or additional locks.
Keep valuable items out of sight
Try not to leave valuable items in places where they can easily be seen from outside. You could also consider marking valuable items with an ultra-violet pen, so they can be identified if they are stolen. Take photographs of items that can't be marked such as jewellery or antiques.
Use entry phone systems
If you live in a building with an entry phone system, it's important that you use it properly to keep the property secure. Don't let in people you don't know, and don't leave the door open.
Join A Neighbourhood Scheme
Neighbourhood watch groups consist of local residents working together to improve security in the community and help prevent crime. They have links with the local police and other crime prevention agencies, and can warn residents of crime trends in their area. Members may also keep an eye on each other's homes during holidays or share useful security devices such as timer switches
Take precautions when you go away
If you're going away, you can reduce the risk of a break in by:
- Leave a light on if you're going to be out during the evening, but not so as to draw unnecessary attention to your home.
- You could also consider getting a timer switch to control the lights automatically. You can buy these from most DIY stores.
- Ask a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your home. This could include opening and shutting curtains, switching lights on and off and making sure post and papers are pushed through your letterbox properly.
- Remember to cancel paper and milk deliveries before you go away.
Beware bogus callers
Bogus callers pretend to be officials from the council, engineers from gas, electricity or water companies, police officers or salespeople in order to gain access to people's homes and steal money or property. They usually carry fake identity cards and can seem very convincing.
If someone calls round at your home, it's best to take precautions:
- put the chain on the door before answering it - if you rent your home and don't have a chain, ask your landlord to fit one for you
- ask to see identification
- check their identification isn't fake - ask which company they're from, then phone the company to check the caller is genuine. Look the company up in the phone book rather than using a number they give you
- ask a neighbour or friend to come round while the caller is there.
If bogus callers visit you or any of your neighbours, you should call the police straight away. You can find the number of your local station in the phone book or at the police website.
Think about what's outside
- Never leave a key hidden outside your home (eg. under a doormat)
- Always lock sheds and garages
- Always put ladders or tools away - they could be used by an intruder.
- Don't leave packaging for new appliances and goods outside your home. Always crush it and put it in the bin.
Be careful
Don't go into your home if you think the burglars may still be there, and don't tidy up until the police have arrived and checked your home over - you may destroy useful evidence.
Contact the police
If your home is broken into, the first thing you need to do is call the police. Call the emergency number if you think the burglars may still be in the area; otherwise call your local police station.
What happens when the police arrive?
The police will ask you to fill in a report listing everything that's missing and any damage that's been done, and will then talk to you about securing your home. You may need to call a locksmith, joiner or glazier if locks, doors or windows have been broken. If you rent your home, you'll also need to call your landlord. They will probably be responsible for repairing any damage caused during the break in.
Contact financial companies
If any credit cards are missing, cancel them immediately. You'll also need to report any official docments, such as passport, driving licence, etc which are missing.
Check insurance details
If you have taken out contents insurance it will normally cover your furniture, electrical goods, clothes, carpets, curtains and other belongings if they are stolen or damaged. Call your insurance company - they should have a 24-hour emergency helpline which you can usually find on your insurance policy or on the company's website.
If you rent your home, your landlord's insurance should cover anything which belongs to them, but your possessions will not be covered unless you have taken out your own contents insurance
Get help and support if you need it
Having your home broken into can be extremely upsetting and you may be left feeling angry, shocked, insecure, violated or depressed. If you need someone to talk to, contact your local Victim Support organisation. They provide free confidential advice and emotional support to victims of crime, and can also provide practical assistance in dealing with the police and your insurance company or securing your home against further break-ins.
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Home Insurance Tips
Do a Home Inventory
Smarter Safe is the simplest way to create or maintain a complete, secure, inventory of your possessions. But getting started can be a daunting task. Our top tips are:
- Out With The Old Have a big clear out before you begin. Use the '4 box' recipe to speed the clearing out process: Get 4 boxes or containers, and mark them 'Keep' 'Dump' 'Sell' and 'Donate'. Starting in the furthest corner from the door in one room, place items into the containers. Only stop when the room is cleared or the containers are full. Repeat as necessary.
- In With The New Begin with your newest items so you get the boost from knowing you have made a start.
- Walk and Talk Use your video camera or tape recorder to record possessions as you walk through the house room by room, then use playback while you create your list.
- Keep It Fresh Once you have your inventory, keep it toppped up by getting into the habit of adding new items as soon as you acquire them.
Store Your Policy Documents Wisely
Your policy document and any numbers to call are important pieces of information, so our advice is to use one of your Smarter Safe items to store information about your policy, along with a note of important phone numbers and an electronic copy of the main cover details.
Calculate the Replacement Value of Items
When it comes time for renewing your policy, use your Smarter Safe Premium Membership to help you calculate the current replacement value of your items. Some reduce in value, like most electronic goods for example, while others such as artwork, collectibles or jewels may increase.
At renewal time it is also a good idea to check that you haven't missed off any items recently purchased, or to remove any items you may have disposed of.
Home Insurance Links
- Water Damage Cover - Surprising Facts
- When Are You Covered, and When Not?
- Useful Chart Showing Different Types of Policy
- Choosing An Insurance Company - USA
- Insurance Guide - UK
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