Preparing for the Cold Snap
Essential Tips for Households
Ensuring your home is ready to stand up to the pressure of harsh Irish winters, Insurance Ireland has some tips for householders on how to prepare for an upcoming cold snap.
As the mercury falls, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to protect your home, loved ones, and pets from the harsh weather. Here are some key recommendations to keep you safe and prepared:
Protect Your Pipes and Taps
Frozen and burst pipes can cause significant damage to your home. Ensure that all taps and pipes, especially those outdoors, are properly insulated. A simple and effective trick is wrapping a towel around outdoor taps to prevent freezing.
If you have a holiday home, it’s equally important to ensure that it doesn’t get damaged by burst pipes. Turning off the water supply at the mains and draining the water out of the system is a guaranteed way to prevent burst pipes.
Check on the Elderly
Winter can be especially challenging for elderly family members, friends, and neighbours. Regularly check in to ensure they are warm, safe, and comfortable. A simple visit or phone call can make all the difference.
Prevent Slips and Falls
Even if you aren’t planning to venture far from home during the cold spell, it is important to ensure that you can move safely around your own property. Slippery paths and driveways are a common hazard during cold snaps. Sprinkle salt or grit around your property to reduce the risk of slipping when moving outdoors.
Keep the Heat In
When the sun is shining on your windows, it can bring great heat into your home. However, equally, you can conserve warmth in your home by closing curtains, especially when the sun isn’t shining. This simple step can significantly reduce heat loss and make your home more energy-efficient.
Care for Your Pets
Don’t forget about your furry friends! Cold weather has just as much of an impact on our pets as it does on us. Where possible, pets should be brought inside, especially during the night when temperatures are lowest. For pets that spend a lot of time outdoors, it’s important to ensure that pets have access to a warm, dry shelter with proper bedding.
Water sources should also be checked to make sure they haven’t frozen over and that pets have access to water.
Know Your Insurance Coverage
In the unfortunate event of damage, it’s vital to understand your insurance policy. Review the full terms of your coverage and contact your insurer or broker as quickly as possible to report any issues.
By taking these proactive steps, you can minimise risks and ensure that you, your loved ones, and your property stay safe during the cold snap. Stay warm and take care!
Protect your Home
Ensuring your home is ready to stand up to the pressure of harsh Irish winters, Insurance Ireland has some tips for householders on how to prepare for an upcoming cold snap.