February 2009

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- MORE TH>N offers homeowners and motorists essential advice -

Snow and ice has hit Britain overnight, and although the conditions can transform even the drabbest scene into a winter wonderland, home and car owners should take extra care to ensure they stay safe. To help, leading insurer MORE TH>N is offering the following advice on surviving the cold.

AT HOME:

• Leave your central heating running, not on a timer, but at a constant temperature (the coldest time is between 1am and 3am). If possible, leave it running in all rooms.
• If you know you’re going to be away, either leave the heating on, or drain off your water and heating systems. If you have a property that is unoccupied, drain the system. To do this, turn off the stopcock, shut down the boiler and open all taps. If you’re unsure about the central heating, speak to a plumber. Remember to leave your insurance details with a friend or neighbour.
• Check the lagging on your pipes and water tank – pay a visit to the loft if needs be. If you have enough constant heating in the house, it will prevent the water tank from freezing. The most likely effect of the sub-zero temperatures in the home will be frozen pipes and water tanks.
• Bring pets indoors and if you have fish, leave something floating in the middle of your pond – ie a ball. When you want to get air to them, lift up the ball.
• Keep a supply of batteries, torches and provisions.
• If your home loses power – keep the freezer door shut.

All MORE TH>N customers have access to a free-phone 24 hour help-line as part of their standard home insurance policy. In the event of a household emergency customers can ring the help-line 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Nick Dear, spokesperson for MORE TH>N comments: “We are prepared for the expected cold front next week with many of our staff ready to help out in the affected areas and customers can rest assured that should the worst happen, we are here to help them around the clock.”

IN THE CAR:

Cold weather can play havoc with cars. Flat batteries are the main cause (32%), followed by cars turning over but won’t start up (15%). In fact motorists are 50% more likely to breakdown in January, February and March when temperatures are often colder, than any other month of the year.

MORE TH>N’s advice to motorists during freezing weather conditions:

• Check anti-freeze levels and carry de-icer in case the locks freeze
• For cars that are not being used that often ensure you regularly turn the engine over and keep the engine running to keep the battery energised
• If warming your car up don’t leave it unattended with the keys in the ignition. Many cars are stolen this way by opportunist thieves each year.
• During cold weather its especially important to check tyre, battery and wiper blade condition. Make sure the lights are fully functioning and double check oil and fuel levels before setting off
• Keep a warm coat or blanket in the car in case of a breakdown to keep warm by the roadside as well as some emergency supplies such as some chocolate or a hot drink
• Take your breakdown telephone help-line number and mobile phone with you on all journeys
• It’s also useful to keep a torch, ice scraper – and in extreme weather conditions wellington boots and a shovel in your car

Nick Dear, spokesperson for MORE TH>N said: “Often the combination of cold weather and leaving a car unused for a couple of days can be enough to cause problems. Drivers should be aware of the weather conditions when planning a journey, reduce speeds and drive with extra caution. In especially poor conditions, don’t drive unless absolutely necessary.”

Above all, Brits affected by the extreme weather circumstances should keep a close watch for further weather warnings, and heed the advice of the emergency services.

For more information or a quote, call 0800 107 1905 or visit

 

www.morethan.com

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