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Horsham Neighbourhood Watch |
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HEALTHY HOME CHECKWith Credit to NNWA News (Autumn 1999 edition) /CGU Insurance |
| FAMILIARITY WITH YOUR HOME | Check internal water pipes are adequately lagged | ||
| Do you know where your stopcock is? | Check electrics every 5 years | ||
| Do you know position of drains and access to them? | Check for dripping taps and repair | ||
| Do you know position of incoming water main and external valve? | SECURITY | ||
| Do you know where your main fuses are? | Check window/door locks conform to minimum British Standards | ||
| EXTERNAL CHECKS | Check all windows/doors locked if away from home | ||
| Check roof for loose or damaged slates | Check lights left on if away or after dark | ||
| Check roof for damage to flashings etc. | Check papers/milk not left around if on holiday | ||
| Check guttering - clean any blockages, check for damage/looseness | Check keys not left under mat, inside letter box etc. | ||
| Check pointing/brickwork/dampness | Check washing regularly while on line | ||
| Check above on chimneys plus chimney pot. | Check jewellery/cash/videos/TVs/computers not in easy view | ||
| Ensure chimneys swept at least one a year | Check garages/sheds are locked | ||
| Check TV and FM aerials firmly fixed. | Check ladders are locked away | ||
| Check external woodwork on windows for condition, puttying etc. | SAFETY | ||
| Check external doors for above | Check fire guards used over open fires and heaters in rooms | ||
| Check flat roofs for damage, water retention. | Check electric blankets for safety and switch off when not in use | ||
| Check drains for blockage/damage/leakage. | Check electric plugs are taken out of sockets at night or while away | ||
| GARDEN | Check all cigarettes are completely out before disposing of them | ||
| Check condition of fences, gates etc. | Check chip pans. Never leave them unattended. | ||
| Check condition of garage/doors/roof | GUARD AGAINST BAD WEATHER | ||
| Check condition of wooden sheds, garages for waterproofing, rot etc. | Check you don't risk frozen or burst pipes - keep home warm | ||
| Check condition of all pathways, driveways, steps. | Check for dripping taps and overflows | ||
| Check trees, shrubs etc. pruned to reasonable height. | Check for frozen pipes by turning on taps one at a time to locate frozen area | ||
| INTERNAL | Check if you can free them by gently warming - hot towels or hair dryer | ||
| Check for woodworm, dry rot | Try a mixture of salt and boiling water for frozen waste pipes | ||
| Check condition of radiators/heating pipes for leaks, rust | If pipes totally frozen or burst, turn off main with water key or stop cock | ||
| Check condition of central heating boilers | Check you have turned off boiler or immersion heater; if pipes burst turn off electricty | ||
| Check all taps turned on and leaft to drain leak DO NOT DRAIN CENTRAL HEATING |
Last revised April 25, 2005