How to keep your property safe over the festive period: Essential tips from B&B Services Ltd

The festive season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and relaxation. But while you’re busy enjoying the holiday cheer, it’s important to ensure that your property remains safe and secure. At B & B Services Ltd, we not only specialise in property maintenance, but we’re also committed to helping homeowners keep their homes safe and protected, especially during the busy Christmas period.

Here are our essential tips to safeguarding your home this festive season:

1. Check Your Home’s Security

The festive period is unfortunately a prime time for burglaries, as many people go away for the holidays or are out of the house visiting family and friends. Here’s how you can enhance your home security:

- Upgrade Locks and Doors: Ensure that all entry points, including doors, windows, and garages, are fitted with sturdy locks. If your locks are outdated or damaged, consider upgrading them. A well-secured home is a less attractive target for burglars.

- Install Security Lights: Motion-activated security lights can deter intruders by lighting up the exterior of your home. Position them near entry points, garages, and darker corners of your property to enhance visibility.

- Consider a Home Alarm or CCTV System: Installing an alarm or CCTV system can significantly improve the security of your home. Modern systems can even be monitored remotely via your smartphone, giving you peace of mind whether you’re at home or away.

2. Ensure Proper Lighting Inside and Out

During the shorter winter days, burglars can take advantage of the early darkness. To make your home look occupied, even when you’re out, consider the following:

- Use Timer Switches for Lights: A well-lit home gives the impression that someone is inside. Using timer switches to turn on lights at regular intervals can help deter burglars, particularly if you’re out for the evening or away for a few days.

- Exterior Lighting: Keeping the outside of your home well-lit is just as important. In addition to security lights, consider festive lighting for the outside of your home. It not only adds a warm and welcoming glow but can also act as a deterrent when set on a timer.

3. Service Your Boiler Before the Cold Weather Hits

Winter is the worst time for your boiler to break down. An unexpected failure could leave your home without heating or hot water, creating an uncomfortable environment for you and your guests over the festive season. Here’s how to avoid this:

- Get a Pre-Winter Boiler Service: Having your boiler serviced before the festive season ensures it’s working efficiently and safely. At B & B Services Ltd , we offer thorough boiler servicing, checking for any issues and ensuring your home stays warm through the holidays. Click here to view our previous blog post on the importance of boiler servicing.

- Check for Frozen Pipes: Cold weather can lead to frozen pipes, which can burst and cause water damage. Insulating pipes, particularly those in unheated areas such as lofts and garages, can help prevent freezing.

4. Be Fire-Safe

Christmas brings lots of festive lighting, decorations, and candles, but it also comes with increased fire risks. Here are a few tips to reduce the chance of fire hazards:

- Test Smoke Alarms: Before the festive season, check that your smoke alarms are functioning properly. If you don’t have one installed, it’s a good time to add a smoke alarm to key areas like the kitchen and living room.

- Be Mindful with Christmas Lights: If you’re using Christmas lights, check for any frayed wires or damaged bulbs before putting them up. Also, avoid leaving them on overnight or when you leave the house to reduce the risk of fire.

- Use Candles Safely: If you’re lighting candles for a cozy atmosphere, ensure they’re placed away from flammable materials such as curtains or Christmas trees. Never leave them unattended, and extinguish them before going to bed.

5. Protect Your Home While You’re Away

Many families travel during the festive period to visit loved ones, leaving their homes unattended for days at a time. Here’s how you can keep your property safe while you’re away:

- Hold the Post: An overflowing mailbox is a clear signal to burglars that no one is home. If you’re away for an extended period, ask a neighbor to collect your post or use the Royal Mail’s “Keep Safe” service to hold your mail until you return.

- Ask a Trusted Neighbour to Keep an Eye on Things: A trusted neighbor can help keep an eye on your property, take out the bins, and ensure no one suspicious is lurking around. Leaving a spare key with a neighbor is also a good idea in case of emergencies.

- Don’t Announce Travel Plans Online: Be careful about sharing your holiday plans on social media. Publicly posting that you’re away could make your home a target for burglars.

6. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

Winter weather, especially in the UK, can bring heavy rain, snow, and high winds, which can damage your roof or gutters. A property maintenance check before winter sets in can prevent potential issues like leaks or blocked gutters that could lead to water damage. Here’s what to consider:

- Check for Loose Tiles: Strong winds can dislodge roof tiles, leading to leaks and structural damage. If you notice any missing or cracked tiles, get them repaired before the winter weather worsens.

- Clear Out Gutters: Gutters filled with leaves and debris can lead to blockages, causing water to overflow and damage your property. Clean your gutters or have us clear them out to avoid this problem during the festive season.

At B & B Services Ltd, we offer a wide range of property maintenance services to help you get your home ready for the winter months. From security upgrades to boiler servicing, we’re here to ensure your home remains safe, warm, and secure, giving you one less thing to worry about during the holidays.

Let us help you enjoy a stress-free festive season by ensuring your home is in top condition and secure.

GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS!