25th November 2005
As the Met Office predicts a long cold winter with record low temperatures in the coming days, up to 50% of UK homes are under threat of weather-related breakdowns warns Direct Line Insurance.
Based on their claims experience during previous extreme cold weather, Direct Line is urging homeowners to take precautionary measures to prepare and protect their homes; primarily from ‘escape of water’ claims resulting from frozen pipes bursting.
These claims cause on average £1,200 worth of damage inside the home.
Homeowners should:
In advance -
- Ensure all accessible pipes and tanks in the loft space are fully lagged
- Find the main stopcock and make sure it can be turned on and off
- Leave heating on at all times to maintain an air temperature of at least 5c (40F)
- Check loft insulation is thick enough and in good condition
- Repair dripping taps
If pipes or tanks become frozen -
- Turn off the water at the main stopcock or meter
- Switch off the central heating, immersion heater, etc
- Turn on all your taps to drain the system
- If water has flooded wiring or electrical systems, do not touch them before arranging a professional inspection. Turn off the electricity at the mains
- Call professional tradesmen – plumbers, electricians, etc – to make repairs
Simon Ziviani from Direct Line Insurance warns,
“As the Met Office has predicted a 70% chance of disruption due to heavy snow and blizzards in the coming days, homeowners need to prepare their homes, and particularly in high risk areas in northern and eastern Scotland.
“The simple measures listed can reduce or prevent the most common types of damage sustained to homes during extreme cold conditions.”
-Ends-
Further information:
Simon Ziviani / Direct Line Press Office
Tel: 0845 878 2270 / simon.ziviani@directline.com
For Met Office update on UK weather conditions, visit www.metoffice.com
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