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Protecting Your Home From Floods

Flooding can cause serious water damage to your home. Not only can this result in destruction and costly repairs, but it can also lead to subsequent problems such as mould growth. It’s vital for homeowners to understand how to prevent and manage flood-related risks to protect their homes.

To protect your home and property from floods, consider the following suggestions:

1. Be aware of your location. Residents across the UK can check if their home is in a flood-risk area by using online resources for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
2. Sign up for warnings. Homeowners in England, Scotland and Wales who live in areas at risk of flooding can request to be notified of flood warnings.
3. Modify your home. There are several different ways to prepare a home for flood conditions. For example, using permeable paving surfaces on driveways and pathways or ceramic tiles with waterproof adhesive can help limit water damage.
4. Move your belongings. If flooding is anticipated, transport valuable and sentimental property to the upper floors.
5. Prepare for the aftermath. Be prepared to manage and limit damage following a flood by knowing how to shut off your electricity or gas supply and having a list of useful contact numbers—such as local councils, utility providers and your insurance broker—available without access to the internet.
6. Document any damage. Even the most prepared homeowners may still not be able to prevent water damage during a flood. Taking time to photograph and document damage may help you recoup your losses.

Contact us today for more information on keeping your home and property safe.

 

Electrical Safety Tips

Electricity is a necessary part of your home, but wires, outlets and other parts of electrical systems can be dangerous and carry substatial risk. Accidents involving electricity can lead to extensive property damage, severe injuries and even death.

With that in mind, it’s imperative for homeowners to take the following precautions:

  • Check cables. Regularly monitor the condition of your cables and extension leads. Damaged equipment must be repaired or replaced to prevent damage and/or harm.
  • Consider placement. Avoid running cables on hot surfaces or under rugs and furniture. These locations may cause overheating or other damage.
  • Avoid overloads. Electrical fires are often caused by plug sockets being overused. Try to spread your appliances and devices between different outlets.
  • Unplug unused devices. Even when you take other precautions, an unplugged appliance is still safer than one that is left plugged in. In addition, leaving equipment plugged in can lead to unnecessary increases in your energy bill.
  • Adhere to instructions. Check manufacturers’ instructions for devices and ensure you are using the correct wattage for light bulbs.

For more home safety tips, contact us today.

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Health

How to Stay Active While Working From Home

Remote work has become part of the new normal. While these arrangements may have many benefits, they may also lead to employees succumbing to a sedentary lifestyle and developing unhealthy habits. Exercise may become an afterthought for workers who spend their entire day at home.

Physical activity is a vital part of a person’s health. The NHS recommends most adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity every week. Moderate activities include brisk walking, hiking and water aerobics, while some examples of vigorous activities include running and swimming.

If you’re a remote employee, there are a number of steps you can take to help establish and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, such as:

• Try a fake commute. While one benefit of remote work is a lack of a commute, this saved time can still be productive. For example, you could replace a traditional commute with taking a walk outside before starting the workday.
• Stick to a schedule. Establishing an exercise routine and committing to it are key. By building physical activity into a daily routine, it will be easier for you to remain consistent.
• Designate a specific area. If choosing to exercise at home, try to designate a room or area of your residence to be reserved for that purpose.
• Move every hour. While remote work may lend itself to sitting at a desk or kitchen table for hours at a time, it’s important to remember to take breaks. Set timers to remind yourself to get up and grab a beverage or simply move and stretch for a few minutes.
• Consider digital options. Exercising at home may become repetitive or monotonous. Online memberships and streaming services can provide you with various interactive classes and workouts.