This summer, as you switch into vacation mode, don’t forget to prepare your home before you head out. Whether you are planning a weekend staycation or an overseas trip, taking a few precautionary measures can keep your home summer-ready and safe.
In this blog, we will walk you through five smart steps to keep your home protected while you are away.
TIP 1: Schedule an AC maintenance check
Extreme temperatures and humid conditions in the UAE don’t just take a toll on us but also put an immense strain on your home’s electrical systems, especially air conditioners. The increased usage of air conditioners leads to issues such as compressor failures, refrigerant leaks, and malfunctioning of electrical components. Additionally, a lack of proper AC maintenance can increase the risk of household fires.
Booking a professional maintenance service can improve cooling efficiency, enhance indoor air quality, and help save on energy consumption, and money.
Most importantly, while you are travelling, it will give you peace of mind by reducing the chances of returning to unwanted surprises such as a broken or leaking AC in a hot, musty home.
Tip 2: Seal gaps and cover drains to prevent pest infestations
Warm weather invites unwanted guests such as cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, and termites. Aside from being a nuisance, these pests can pose serious health risks. To keep them out while you’re away:
- Conduct regular inspections around your home.
- Seal entry points and cracks using caulk or weather stripping.
- Dispose of garbage and food waste regularly.
- Deep clean your kitchen, dining, and storage areas.
- Cover all drains to prevent pests from entering through pipes.
These simple steps can drastically reduce the risk of infestations and ensure you return to a clean, pest-free home.
Tip 3: Turn off your main water supply to prevent leaks and water damage
One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your home from leaks or potential flooding is by turning off your main water supply. This is important because the risks of pipe bursts increase in summer due to high water pressure. Here is what you can do:
- Locate and shut off the main valve, typically in the kitchen.
- Turn off all water fixtures, like taps and showers.
- Check for any leaks and perform maintenance.
By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of water damage, especially while you are travelling. Planning to travel soon? Here is a summer travel checklist to keep you prepared.
Tip 4: Take fire safety precautions
Summer heat, flammable materials, and the frequent use of electrical appliances can increase the risk of fire in your home. Minimise these risks by following a few simple but essential steps:
- Unplug non-essential electronic devices.
- Avoid using extensions and plug items in different sockets.
- Don’t run exhaust fans for long hours—they can overheat. Use gas cylinders and induction cookers with caution.
- Have a reliable smoke alarm in your home.
For any maintenance, ensure you are seeking help from licensed technicians. Also, authorities like Abu Dhabi Police and Civil Defence continue to raise awareness and take proactive measures to prevent fire through their Safe Summer campaign.
Like your home, ensure that your vehicle is also summer-ready. Here is a quick guide to keep your vehicle protected this summer.
Tip 5: Update your home content insurance to stay protected
Even with the best preventive measures, things might still go wrong. Therefore, updating your home content insurance is a smart move before your travel.
With Salama’s Home Takaful cover, you can attain financial protection for your home and gain peace of mind with coverage for:
- Accidental damage to content for specified perils
- Cost of repairing, replacing, or installing new locks and keys due to accidental damage.
- Content temporarily removed from your home.
- Fatal injury to you and your spouse against fire and intruders’ assault.
- Loss of rent and alternative accommodation due to accident, and more.
With the right protection in place, you can travel stress-free knowing your home is secured. Contact us to learn more about how we can protect your home.
