We speak a lot about the importance of protecting your home at Insuremyhouse.ie . Whether you’ve just bought a house or you’ve been living in your humble abode for many years, it’s important to protect it. There are a lot of factors that can put our homes at risk such as negligence, burglary, fire and flood damage. While all of these factors can be very daunting to a homeowner, there are plenty of steps you can take to protect your much-loved home. When it comes to putting measures in place to keep your home safe, the rule of thumb is ‘prevention is better than cure’. Sometimes when something happens in our home, we rush to find a solution, but the damage is often done. By getting ahead of yourself and taking preventative measures you can maintain the safety of your home and sleep better at night.  

We’ve put together some comprehensive tips that you can follow to make your home a safer space.  

1.An alarm system.

One of the easiest ways you can protect your home from a burglar is by investing in an alarm system. We mentioned in our last post that while burglaries in Ireland have suffered a slight decline since the arrival of Covid-19, they are still present. Unfortunately crime doesn’t take a day off, pandemic or no pandemic. This means that if you don’t have an effective alarm system you could be putting your home and your valuables at risk of theft.  

An alarm system will protect your possessions both sentimental and financial. If someone tries to break into your home, depending on the alarm system you choose, it will alert gardai and notify you of an attempted break-in. Even the mere presence of an alarm is sometimes enough to deter burglars, so it’s vital that your home is seen to have one.  

2. Exterior and interior lighting.

Homes which are surrounded by shade or darkness are easier to burglar based on the premise that the burglars are less likely to be seen. It’s a well-known fact that well lit areas tend to be a little bit safer when it comes to crime. We’re not saying that the presence of lights is enough to deter theft but we are saying it helps! 

Invest in lights in and around your home. If your driveway is in darkness at night or when you aren’t at home, consider purchasing some garden lights and always leave some lights on when you know you’ll be away.  

Top tip: You can use timers in order to time your lights to come on, this is a handy trick. However if you are friendly with your neighbours, you should always opt for them to help with your lights. This is because timers can become evident due to predictability after sometime. 

3. Fire safety.

Taking the appropriate fire safety measures in your home is one of the most important steps you can take. In 2019, a total of 16 individuals were killed as a result of domestic fire related incidents. Domestic fires are unfortunately all too common. We’re all familiar with the term ‘safe as houses’ unfortunately where fire is concerned you’re house might not be safe enough.  

It’s vital to assess your home from a fire safety standpoint. Take the time to review your home for all of the necessary equipment. Does your home have a fire alarm? Have you checked it recently? It’s important to remember that the recommended testing period for your smoke alarm is once a week. If you can’t remember the last time you checked it, then now might be a good time.  

Consider investing in technology that will enable your house to be a safer space where fire is concerned.  

This week we caught up with Tony from Firesprinklers.ie. Fire Sprinklers specialize in the design and installation of sprinkler systems in Dublin and throughout Ireland. Fire sprinklers offer sprinkler systems designed, supplied, installed and commissioned all to the latest standards. Where spatial restraints cannot facilitate the sprinkler pumps and water storage tank or if water damage may be
a concern due to valuable paintings/book collection etc., a Domestic Water Mist System could be the solution. This is also something Fire Sprinklers can provide.  

In the event of a fire these sprinklers can effectively help to mitigate the damage caused to your home. No one wants to see a fire engulf their house, that’s why it’s important to invest in the right measures for your home and your family.  

4. Flood prevention.

In some circumstances flood damage can have major repercussions for your home. Damage caused by flooding can often be cumbersome and expensive to rectify. The secret to getting ahead of flood damage is to simply take preventative measures. Check for any leaks around windows, doors, exterior walls, foundations and plumbing. Cracks and leaks can become significant liabilities during bad weather and they should be repaired early with sealants and fillers.  

Pay attention to your roof. One of the greatest catalysts to in-house flooding is poorly maintained roofs. If you notice that your roof has broken or loose tiles then you should have them replaced immediately.  

Take the time to clean your gutters, gutters direct rainwater off the roof and prevent damage to your property. In order for gutters to do their job during heavy rainfall, they need to be clean. Grab the
ladder and inspect your gutters, if they’re in disarray, you should clean them. Similarly, if you have been noticing any disparities with your pipes, such as loud noises or small drips, you should contact a plumber straight away. This will allow you to solve any small issues before they cause a significant flood.  

5.Invest in the appropriate home insurance.

 

Taking precaution is vital. However, sometimes even our best efforts fail and something unexpected happens. While all of the steps above will accumulate to help you receive a lower home insurance premium, if something goes wrong that’s where your policy steps in. Don’t leave yourself open to financial risk and loss, get ahead and invest in home insurance cover.  

At insuremyhouse.ie we have fantastic home insurance policies available and at a fantastic price.

Reach out to us today!