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Ensure celebrations go according to plan

15/12/05

Christmas may be a time for celebrations but homeowners must still stay on their guard when it comes to bad weather and accidents, a leader home insurer warns.
 
Over the past five years, adverse weather or festive mishaps have rung up a collective bill of £7.2 billion for the four million people affected, according to Sainsbury's Home Insurance.
 
Around 762,000 homeowners have had their celebrations curtailed by burst pipes as a result of the cold weather, whilst over 400,000 homes have been damaged by setting the Christmas turkey on fire.
 
One and a half million people also claim their homes have suffered at the hands of over-excited children or tipsy adults.
 
Sainsbury's therefore advises homeowners not to overload plug sockets, especially around the Christmas tree and to check that any lights used conform to British safety standards.
 
Candles should be kept far away from furnishings whilst breakables should be moved out of the reach of children.
 
If you plan on going to celebrate at the homes of friends or family, leave the heating on at least 10oC (50oF).
 
Karen Preston, home insurance manager at Sainsbury’s Bank, said: "The festive season should be one of the highlights of the year for most people, but the number of insurance claims made in December can often increase, partly because of damage caused by bad weather or Christmas related accidents in the home.