Protecting your home from Mother Nature

Some people believe that with the advance of climate change the UK is experiencing increasingly unpredictable weather throughout the year. It used to be that preparing for potential weather damage to property would start in the autumn. Now we see severe storms even in the summer, so you should check your home and garden regularly for signs of damage and make sure that they are well maintained.

Check what your home insurance policy covers and pay special attention to areas that aren't included. The following checklist will give you some simple steps to help maintain your home and save you from unforeseen difficulties and expense.

• Check your roof tiles - missing or cracked tiles let water into your home while loose roof tiles can cause damage as they fall.
• Regularly inspect fences - repair damage when you find it.
• Stop cracked and frozen pipes - ensure water tanks and pipes are properly insulated, inside and out.
• Keep gutters clear - remove moss and fallen leaves.
• Get your central heating and boiler checked - protecting against breakdowns and carbon monoxide poisoning is essential to home safety.
• Check exterior brickwork and render - cracks let water in and can be a sign of more serious problems, like subsidence.
• Paintwork needs regular attention - protect your exterior woodwork with weather-resistant paint or varnish.
• Wet rot - check for areas of damp and properly ventilate your home.

Peace of mind with home emergency cover

If you're worried about how you'd cope with an emergency at home, esure offers a reassuring service for quick and reliable attention from approved suppliers. If you have a leak, your drain gets blocked, or your central heating breaks, the helpline will arrange for the call out of a professional in your area to carry out emergency repairs. For a small additional premium you are covered for unlimited claims, with up to £500 for a call out charge including VAT, and for up to two hours of labour, with parts and materials up to £100 including VAT. Check the policy details here.

Storm or flood risk

If you live in an area that has flooded in the past or is at risk of being flooded, there are some simple precautions you can take to help you prepare for bad weather. Keep an eye on weather reports and sign up for The Environment Agency's Floodline Warnings Direct by calling the Environmental Agency on 0845 988 1188. This will advise you ahead of time on the likelihood of any imminent flooding. Keep waterproof sealant in your home ready to use on doors and windows. Store sandbags and consider buying freestanding water barriers, which can be easily fitted to exterior doors. Store sentimental items upstairs as these can't be replaced. Keep an emergency pack in your home with; a torch, batteries and bulb, bottled water, long life or canned food, a wind-up radio and something to help you pass the time - games or books.

For more tips on preparing for a flood and what to do during a flood, visit the Environment Agency's website, www.environment-agency.gov.uk