Home Safety Tips for Valentine’s in Lockdown

Living

4 min read

Home Safety Tips for Valentine’s in Lockdown

With lockdown still in place, more of us than ever will be celebrating Valentine’s Day at home this weekend. From a meal for two to socially distanced Zoom dates, Galentine's cocktails, family Valentine’s baking with the kids or a pampering spa day. A cosy Valentine’s night in seems harmless, but keeping in mind a few safety precautions are essential, will ensure sparks are flying for all the right reasons!

Following an increase in accidental home fires in Northern Ireland in 2020, Paddy Gallagher, NIFRS Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer warned that “the risk of accidental fires in the home has been higher… as so many of us are spending more time indoors to adhere to the Covid-19 restrictions”.

At AbbeyAutoline, we want to keep your home and belongings safe, no matter what type of Lockdown Valentine’s Day you’re planning so here are some of our top tips.

The Personal Touch

Treating someone special to breakfast in bed this Valentine’s, or pulling out all the stops and cooking from scratch? With our usual restaurant plans and weekend breaks off-limits, the personal touch will go a long way. But remember, the number one cause of house fires in the UK is cooking appliances so keep these safety tips in mind;

• Make sure your smoke alarms are working.
• Don’t leave cooking food unattended – if you leave the room, turn the cooker off.
• Take care with loose clothing when cooking – it can easily catch fire.
• Keep your cooking area clean. Food packaging, oven mitts, tea towels and other items should always be kept away from cooker tops.

The Candlelit Dinner

Whether you’re enjoying a home-cooked meal, supporting local with an at-home restaurant experience or ordering from your favourite takeaway, a candlelit dinner is sure to melt hearts, but remember;

• Flameless battery candles are your safest option to make sure your dinner plans aren’t scorched.
• If you opt for real candles, make sure they’re placed in a spot where they won’t be knocked over and use a non-combustible candle holder.
• Never leave candles unattended – make sure to blow them out when you leave the room.

The Cosy Night In

Who doesn’t love a roaring fire on a cold winter night? Cosying by the fire, using portable heaters or electric blankets? According to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, over the last 5 years over 40% of all fatal accidental fires in the home occurred during winter months. Be sure to follow these top tips;

• Make sure your fireplace has been inspected and cleaned within the past year.
• Keep clothing, blankets, furniture, cards and wrapping paper away from flames and portable heaters. Use a fire guard if young children are nearby.
• Make sure all electrical appliances are in good order and sockets aren’t overloaded.

The Pampering Spa Day

Whether your idea of the perfect relaxing Valentine’s is a luxurious, spa-like bubble bath or a pampering day getting dressed up for the evening’s events, keep these precautions in mind;

• Don’t leave the room when the bath is running. Distractions happen and flooding can cause considerable damage to your home.
• Never place tea lights directly onto plastic surfaces such as baths.
• Keep all electrical items such as speakers in a safe place outside the bathroom.
• Getting ready for the day’s events? Make sure you unplug electrical appliances such as hair tools after use. Keep hairspray, perfume and flammable products away from candles and fires.

The Zoom Date

Planning a socially distanced Zoom date or Galentine’s cocktails with the girls? 

• Be especially careful around candles and fires if you’re having a few drinks.
• Make sure to keep laptop leads and flammable products away from flames.

It’s important to have the right insurance in place to protect both your house and your belongings. Make sure you are covered under your Home or Contents Insurance and keep your Car Insurance up-to-date, even if you are spending less time on the road.

As your trusted local insurance broker, AbbeyAutoline is here to help. Get a quote online or give us a call today on 08000 66 55 44.