Protect your home against the wild winter weather

With severe weather warnings issued for the next few days, Cheshire Building Society is urging homeowners to ensure they have adequate insurance cover for their homes.

The Society, which provides building and contents insurance underwritten by Royal & SunAlliance, offers the following simple tips to protect your home, whatever the weather:

Even if you are going away, keep your central heating thermostat at a minimum of 10 degrees to prevent pipes freezing in a cold snap

Always ensure a fireguard is in place when a fire is unattended

Check the roof for cracked or broken tiles as they could be dislodged in high winds and cause serious damage

Keep all drains and gutters clear of leaves to prevent blockages and flooding

Ensure the loft is suitably insulated and ventilated to prevent heat escaping and condensation gathering

Make sure all windows and doors are sealed properly to avoid leaks

Protect your home from flooding by preparing a Flood Kit including key personal documents, warm waterproof clothing, wellies and a first aid kit

In windy conditions, stow away any loose items in the garden, including garden furniture and flower pots

Know where the stopcock and water mains valve are so you can turn the water off quickly in an emergency

Annually service the boiler to ensure it is in full working order before a cold snap