Your home should be a safe place where you can relax and leave your worries at the front door. But although home should be a sanctuary, emergencies still happen and always pop up when you least expect them.
Although sometimes things go wrong, you can minimise the chance of catastrophe by following our six tips to keep your home safe.
1. Check your electrics
One of the most common causes of household fires or shorted out appliances is faulty or shorted electrics and wiring. Ideally, you should have your electrics checked every one to five years by a Part P electrician.
2. Service gas appliances
Another huge risk comes from faulty gas appliances. It’s recommended to have gas appliances serviced at least once a year – this is a legal requirement for landlords.
Not only does regularly servicing gas appliances reduce the risks of breakdown and fire, but it also ensures you’re not a victim of the silent killer, carbon monoxide.
You should ensure you have an engineer service such as http://www.hprservicesltd.com/gloucester-boilers/boiler-service-gloucester/ boiler service Gloucester ready in case of emergencies including flooding, gas leaks and drainage.
3. Safe sockets
Often, electrical fires or shorted equipment are due to faulty wiring or unsafe use. To minimise risks, ensure you don’t overload sockets by plugging in too many appliances at once, and only use quality extension cords and chargers. If you have any external sockets on your property, ensure these have waterproof covers.
4. Insulate plumbing
Here in the UK, we’re no strangers to cold weather! Home plumbing can also suffer in frosty conditions. Insulate your indoor pipes and outdoor taps to keep them efficient, unfrozen and prevent leakages or bursting.
5. Clean your drain
Arguably more annoying than an emergency, blocked drains can still cause problems. Experts recommend cleaning drains two to four times a year as required. Drain cleaners are available at most supermarkets, or you can make your own using baking soda and vinegar. Always follow instructions carefully and be safe when handling chemicals.
6. Check gutters and roofing
Gutters can get clogged up with leaves and debris all year round. Best practice is to clean these out at least twice a year, preferably on clear days for safety. You should also check your roof after bad weather to avoid leaks caused by broken or missing tiles.
