Simple household checks that can save you money
As the snow thaws across most of the UK and more cold weather arrives, householders need to take immediate action even if they were fortunate enough to avoid an escape of water during the recent cold snap.
The winter period is not yet over and the thaw can present its own problems, not all of which will be visible. Fortis has issued a simple factsheet with easy to remember steps to take right now.
The advice from Fortis is:
THAW
T - Taps. The factsheet sets out what to test right now
H - Heat. Advice is included on the right things to do heating-wise
A - Attics and lofts. Basic checks need to be made now
W - Water shut off, know where it is. Fortis' research shows that one in seven householders don't know where their stopcock is located which could be disastrous in an emergency.
Last year thousands of homes were affected by an escape of water; in fact 20-30 per cent of all insurance property claims are for the damage caused by an escape of water with the average household claim costing £2,000. Following the recent snow early evidence is revealing widespread damage caused across the country.
Fortis is being supported by the British Insurance Brokers' Association and property repairs experts Rok to help reduce the negative impact of escape of water and is offering a free-to-download, risk management advice guide for every household.
Commenting on the campaign, Gary Lobb, Head Of Operations (Household & Travel Claims) from Fortis said: "The free advice guide has some very simple checks that apply to virtually all households. They are straightforward to follow and could save a great deal of money, disruption and loss of personal items and valuable possessions. The snow may have thawed in some parts of the country which brings fresh problems and elsewhere snow is predicted again so ‘act now!' is the advice."
Visit fortisinsurance.co.uk or biba.org.uk to download the risk management advice guide and to find a broker in your area for straight forward advice about protecting your home from escape of water this winter.