As the UK prepares for a cold snap, residents are being advised to take precautions to protect themselves and their homes from the effects of freezing temperatures. Aviva, a leading insurance provider, has issued a list of steps to help residents stay safe and prevent damage to their homes and belongings.
The cold weather is expected to bring a range of issues, including frozen pipes, snow, and ice, as well as the risk of flooding as snow thaws. Aviva’s head of home claims, Laura Lazarus, emphasized the importance of taking precautions to prevent damage to homes and businesses.
The company has prepared a list of steps to help residents stay safe, including insulating exposed pipes, repairing leaky taps, and knowing where the stopcock is located in case of an emergency. Residents are also advised to sign up for flood warnings and prepare an emergency kit in case they need to evacuate their home.
If a pipe does burst, Aviva has provided a step-by-step guide on how to handle the situation, including turning off the water supply, locating the frozen pipe, and carefully thawing it using a hairdryer or warm towels. If the pipe is damaged, residents should turn off the power and call a qualified electrician to assess the situation.
Aviva is reminding customers to review their home insurance documents and register their claims online or through the MyAviva app if they experience damage to their home or belongings. The company’s claims team is on standby to help customers get their lives back to normal as quickly as possible.
Overall, Aviva is urging residents to take proactive steps to prepare for the cold weather and to be prepared in case of an emergency. By following these simple steps, residents can help minimize the impact of the cold snap and keep themselves and their homes safe.