Top Tips to Winter-Proof Your Home - John Lewis Insurance

LONDON, November 12, 2010 - As winter sets in, there's nothing better than hibernating on the sofa
with a good book or classic film. But having this spoiled by a home emergency
can add a real chill to your winter warmth, especially if it's preventable.

We're all familiar with the issues winter forces upon us: the boiler
breaking, pipes bursting or a break-in, which can make the harsh effects of
winter far more severe.

Planning ahead now can help protect you against these potential problems.
Here are some simple tips to prevent home emergencies happening. Many of them
are relatively quick and easy to do.

    Quick fixes:

    - Change the battery in your smoke detector or install them if you don't
      have any - it's a simple task that can save your life. And make sure
      you test them regularly.
    - Check that your TV aerial is securely attached. Trying to fix the
      aerial in January will be much harder due to the cold and wet.
    - Inspect your roof for missing or cracked tiles. If repairs are needed,
      get them done as soon as you can.
    - Vacuum the coils on the back of the fridge. This will help your fridge
      work more efficiently and will help you save money on your power bills.
    - Turn your mattress regularly. We all spend more time in bed over winter
    - turning your mattress regularly will extend its life and ensure a
      more comfortable night's sleep.
    - Get your boiler serviced. If you haven't had your boiler serviced this
      year, now is the ideal time to ensure it's in good working order.

    More time needed:

    - Oil your power tools and if you have a petrol-powered lawn mower, drain
      the petrol from it. They will survive the winter better and be in top
      shape for spring.
    - Check all taps for leaks and locate the main pipe to the water mains.
      Pipes can burst if they freeze so if you leave home for more than a few
      days, ideally you should turn off the water and drain the pipes.
    - Bleed your radiators by opening the valve until water appears - they
      will work more efficiently.
    - The cold doesn't deter burglars so be sure to inspect your locks and
      any burglar alarms - and consider using lighting timers for that lived
      in appearance.

    Worth the effort:

    - It may take a day or two to sort out but cleaning your gutters properly
      will guarantee they won't get blocked or overflow.
    - Trimming back trees is always recommended in the autumn.
    - Clean out the garage before anything is stored that can get spoiled by
      the cold.

Finally, preparing an emergency kit is a great way to make those small
and big emergencies as easy to handle as possible. This is what you should
have at hand's reach:

    - A small tool bag containing a torch, a roll of insulation tape, spare
      fuses, spare batteries and a screwdriver
    - A radiator key
    - A fire extinguisher if you have one, checked or recently replaced
    - Important telephone numbers like the police, a trusted plumber and
      electrician, and most importantly the number of your home insurance
      company.

Taking precautions and planning ahead can save you a great deal of time
and effort later, but things could still go wrong. The best way to protect
yourself is by taking out home insurance with a trusted provider.

John Lewis Home and Contents Insurance (
www.johnlewis-insurance.com/homepage/home-insurance/home-insurance-quote.html)
provides affordable, flexible Buildings and Contents cover for
everything from red wine on the carpet to a break-in or home emergency.
Knowing that your home and possessions are covered should the worst happen,
will give you valuable peace of mind.

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Find out more about how John Lewis Home Insurance is with you when it
matters.

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    For further information please contact:
    Email: customerservice@johnlewis-insurance.com
    Tel: +44(0)207-592-5236

For further information please contact: Email: customerservice at johnlewis-insurance.com, Tel: +44(0)207-592-5236