The weather is unpredictable, there's no doubt about that. That's why it pays to be prepared more than ever! At Russell Meers and Gill we want all of our customers to be safer than sorry, so we'll run through an extreme weather checklist.

Although it may seem a mundane task, regular checks on your property will help you notice small hazards that could potentially cause bigger, more expensive damages in the long run. So, we suggest that you carry out the following:

• Ensure your fence is secure within its panel and garden gates function smoothly. The last thing you need is a missing fence or garden gate falling off its hinges.
• Check your gutters are free from moss and leaves. If heavy rain falls and debris is blocking your guttering this will cause an overflow and therefore put extra pressure on your roof and draining system.
• Make sure your roof has no missing or loose tiles. "How am I supposed to check my roof?" you may ask. Sometimes it's best to hire a professional to perform more hazardous checks. If you don't fancy climbing up a 10 ft. ladder, we don't blame you.
• If you have loose branches dancing in the wind, remove them. You don't want these to shatter a window. That would cause a very unpleasant breeze and safety hazard.
• Ensure all lighter objects located outside are in a safe and sheltered place. If strong winds are forecasted, these objects may become airborne and damage other areas of your property.

Despite regular, risk checks, if the worst does happen we are here to advise should the time come to claim for damages. If you would like to discuss an insurance claim, or require any other winter guidance please contact the team on 01905 428848 where you will find someone happy to assist your situation.