Protecting Your Home From Fire and Flood Risks

Your home isn’t just bricks and mortar, it’s the place where life happens, and keeping it safe matters. As extreme weather and unexpected hazards become more common¹, it helps to be prepared before anything goes wrong. This guide offers clear, practical steps to reduce the risk of fire and flooding so you can feel confident that your home is secure.

At Everywhen, we care about protecting what matters most to you. Fire safety starts with simple steps that make a big difference. Here’s how to reduce risk and keep your home secure.

• Install smoke detectors: Smoke detectors save lives. Fit at least two devices: one in the ground floor hall and one on the upstairs landing, close to the head of the stairs. Check batteries every three months and lightly vacuum the elements once a year to keep them working properly.

• Check electrical safety: Avoid overloading sockets. If you have too many plugs in one power point, spread them out or install additional sockets. Consider adding a residual circuit breaker for extra protection.

• Maintain open fires: If you use open fires, have chimneys swept regularly. Always use a fireguard when children are present or when drying clothes near the fire.

• Keep matches and flames out of reach: Never let children play with matches or fire. Store them safely and supervise any activity involving flames.

• Stay alert in the kitchen: Do not leave hot fat or oil unattended on the cooker. If it catches fire, smother it with a fire blanket or damp cloth. Never use water, as it can make the fire worse.

• Check gas appliances: Never use a gas appliance if you suspect it is faulty. Warning signs include soot or stains around the appliance and a pilot light that blows out frequently. Do not cover or block air vents.

• Service your heating system: Have your heating system and all gas appliances serviced regularly by a qualified professional. This helps prevent hazards and keeps your home safe.

Cold weather can put your home at risk. A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in an hour, causing serious damage if you are away or unable to turn off the supply.

• Know your stopcock: Find out where your main stopcock is and check that you can turn it off and on. If it will not move, do not force it. Contact a plumber instead.

• Plan ahead before you travel: If you go away in winter, leave your heating on at its normal setting and ask a neighbour or relative to check in. Make sure they know where the stopcock is. If you do not have central heating, turn off the mains stopcock and drain the water system before you leave.

• Act quickly if a pipe bursts: Turn off the mains stopcock, switch off the central heating system and open all taps to drain the water.

• Defrost frozen pipes safely: If you find a frozen pipe, use gentle heat such as hot water bottles or cloths soaked in hot water. Remove any items nearby that could be damaged if the pipe bursts.

• Prepare for flood warnings: If you live in a flood area and receive a warning, move as much as possible upstairs. Prioritise electrical items, valuables and personal belongings that cannot be replaced easily, such as photographs. For more advice, read our guide to flood prevention for non-standard homes.

Everywhen is here to help you protect your home against the rising threat of flooding. Our tailored policies keep your property and belongings secure, and our experts offer practical guidance on reducing risk before the worst happens. Speak to us today on 03447 368 249]for cover that works for your everyday and support you can rely on when it matters most.

1.      https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c74w1gyd7mko

Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems, we recommend that professional advice be sought.