A lot of homes in the UAE get are left during the summer, as the family travels abroad. The experts at ServiceMarket, have put together this list of precautionary steps to make it easier for you to protect your home and have peace of mind.
Invest in a good home insurance policy
The easiest and most effective way to protect your home is to get your home insured. Not only does home insurance cover damages to the structure of your home, but also protects your belongings including laptops, smartphones, jewelry, paintings, rugs, appliances and furniture. So you should get home insurance even if you live in a rented house. You can get home insurance for as little as Dh200. Do read the fine print to make sure you know what types of damages are covered.
Fix plumbing issues to avoid flooding
Flooding is one of the most common types of home accidents in the UAE. It’s usually caused by burst water pipes and leakage from AC units and waters heaters. From carpets and hardwood flooring to sofas and electronics, a lot can get damaged if your home is flooded. You should never ignore a leaky faucet or pipe in your house because the leakage might increase suddenly and it can cause mould and structural damage. Be sure to call a plumber as soon as you notice leakage.
Take steps to avoid fires
First of all, make sure the smoke alarms in your home are working. People sometimes forget to replace batteries and only find out that they weren’t working when it’s too late. Smoke alarms can help you avoid serious damage to your home. Next, make your kitchen safe. Gas leakages from cookers often cause fires in the UAE. Electric sparks can also cause fires, so don’t leave your laptop and phone chargers plugged in when you’re not at home and call an electrician immediately if you notice sparks or detect the smell of burning plastic. Always blow out candles before going to sleep or leaving the house.
Keep your doors locked and get a security system
To avoid burglaries, lock your doors and windows before going to bed and make sure it’s not easy to open or break them. Even if you have a state-of-the-art security system, it won’t be of much use if you leave your doors open. If you’re unsure about whether you have sufficiently secure locks, then you should definitely consult a locksmith. If your budget permits, do invest in one of the new smart home security systems, which can monitor and protect your home round the clock.
Deterrence works
Another great way to prevent burglaries is to install CCTV cameras around your home and make sure they can be seen easily. You can put up signs around the parameter of your home for any type of security you have invested in, be it CCTV cameras, dogs, guards or a smart home security system. If burglars know that your house is being protected and watched, they’ll think twice before attempting anything.
When you’re on vacation
You need to be extra careful if you plan to be away from your home for a few days. Burglars are more likely to break into your house if they know that your home is empty and unprotected. There are several things you can do to prevent people from knowing that you’re on vacation. First of all, pause the delivery of newspapers before you leave and make sure someone mows your lawn in your absence. A big pile of newspapers and an unmaintained garden will let your whole neighborhood know that you’re not at home. Leave a few lights on so that your home doesn’t look dark and deserted. You can also hire a sitter to regularly check and maintain your house while you’re away.
