Heatwave Tips: Keeping Your Property Safe 

Before a heatwave 

When temperatures soar in the UK, even well-prepared homes can feel the strain. The good news is that a few simple actions can keep you comfortable, as well as reducing the risks that come with heatwaves such as fires. 

Protecting belongings from the heat 

• Move artwork and other treasured possessions out of direct sunlight to prevent them from fading or warping.  
• With electronic items, unplug non-essential devices, and avoid leaving appliances on standby. Don’t overload extension leads and use surge-protected extension leads for sensitive and expensive devices. 
• Reflected beams from mirrors and glass ornaments have been known to start house fires, so move them out of strong direct sunlight.  

For more information, visit our Guide to Summer Home Protection.  

Fire safety in the home 

With fire risk elevated during a heatwave, now is the perfect time to check that your home and everyone in it is prepared, including making sure everyone knows the escape route in the event of an emergency, and keeping walkways (that would be potential exit routes) clear from clutter. 

How to prepare your home: 

• Rubbish, packaging and paper could all become tinder-dry in hot conditions, so clear these items away as much as possible.  
• Aerosols, lighters, candles, and other flammables items (e.g. cleaning products) should be kept in cool, shaded places – not on windowsills! 
• If you are using fans, place them on flat, stable surfaces. Never cover them with fabric.  

In the event of a fire: 

• Don’t stop for personal belongings. 
• Use your usual way out if it is possible to do so. 
• Use the back of your hand (without making contact) to check doors and handles for heat. 

Food safety in hot weather 

Electronics, especially large appliances, work overtime when it’s hot to keep themselves cool. When it comes to storing food, you want to know that your fridge and freezer are storing it so it will still be safe for you to eat. To help them out, don’t overfill them – this prevents cool air from circulating effectively. Aim for a fridge temperature of 5°C or below and a freezer temperature of −18°C.   

A quick insurance reminder 

Now is a good time to review your home insurance policy. Check your cover is up-to-date and it reflects what you own – make sure you consider high-value or recently purchased items, as being underinsured can be a costly mistake. Make sure you know what you’re covered for – and what you’re not. 

Keep your policy number and your insurer’s contact details to hand if the event of damage to your home or contents during a heatwave and you need to make a claim.  

During a heatwave 

During a heatwave, it’s important to remember that prolonged heat can increase fire risk, strain electrical systems, and cause damage to homes and belongings, as well as pose a threat to your physical wellbeing.  

Looking after yourself and others 

Stay hydrated – water is always the best bet. Drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks can actually dehydrate you.  

If you’re outdoors, wear light, loose clothing and use high-SPF suncream. During the hottest hours of the day, it’s better to seek shade or go indoors. 

The young, the elderly, and people with health conditions may need extra support during a heatwave. If you live with anyone like this, take extra steps to keep them safe. If you have any vulnerable neighbours, check in on them if it is safe for you to do so.  

If you have pets, ensure they have constant access to shade and fresh water. Never leave animals in hot rooms, direct sunlight, or in vehicles, even for a short period of time. If you need to walk your dog, do so early in the morning or in the evening when the temperatures will be lower.  

How to keep your home cool 

• Close blinds and curtains, especially on windows that face the sun during the day, to reduce the temperate indoors. 
• Ventilate your home at night or in the early morning when it’s cooler outside.  
• During the hottest hours (usually midday and afternoon), keep windows and doors closed if your home is already cooler inside than it is outside. 

Barbecue safety 

At Homeprotect, we see fire claims ranging from £50 to £500,000, and even a small fire can be catastrophic.  

• Only use barbecues outdoors on a stable, non-combustible surface, well away from dry grass, fences, and buildings. 
• If you’re using a gas barbecue, turn the gas tap off when it’s not in use. If you need to change cylinders, do so outside where there is good ventilation. 
• If you’re using a charcoal barbecue, use just enough charcoal to cover the base. Keep a bucket of water and/or sand nearby. 
• Never use a disposable barbecue indoors or on balconies. 

When dealing with hot ashes: 

• Let ashes cool completely before disposing of them.  
• Don’t put them in your usual household rubbish bin. Store them outdoors in a metal container with a lid on a non-combustible surface. 
• Please note that embers can easily reignite in dry conditions. 

If you switch to cooking indoors: 

• Do not leave your cooking unattended. Remember: most home fires start in the kitchen. 
• If you’ve been drinking alcohol or are feeling tired from the heat, call in reinforcements – get someone else to take over the cooking, or order a takeaway. 
• Make sure you have recently checked your smoke alarms – ideally, this should be done every month. 

Please note: policies may exclude coverage for reckless damage caused by barbecues and firepits – always read your policy booklet. 

Electrical safety 

Summer get‑togethers often end up in the garden – just try to go easy on your electrics. Overloaded sockets or extension leads can spark fires, especially in hot weather when appliances are already working harder. Only use outdoor‑rated sockets and cables, avoid plugging one extension lead into another, and spread your high‑powered appliances (e.g. coolers, garden lights, speakers) across separate outlets.  

If anything feels hot to the touch, switch it off, let it cool, and swap to a sturdier outdoor rated lead – these are usually splashproof/waterproof, high visibility coloured, and come with thermal cutout protection. 

After a heatwave 

Checking your home for heat damage 

Once it is safe to do so, check your home for heat damage. High temperatures can cause issues that may not be immediately obvious.  

• Inspect for warping or buckling in floors, doors, and windows.  
• If it is safe to do so, check roofs and loft spaces (especially if you have a loft conversion) for cracked tiles, leaks, or signs of overheating. If in doubt, call a professional roofer. 
• Look for fire or smoke marks near electrical sockets or appliances. Other signs include flickering lights, power outages, or overheating electrical devices. 

For repairs and restoration, only use reputable, qualified labourers. Verify credentials and never pay in full for any work upfront.  

Need to make a claim? 

If your home or possessions have been damaged, gather evidence for your claim by taking notes, collecting receipts, and take photographs of any damage, or any emergency repair work that is done.  

If you need to make a claim, or you have any questions, you can contact us online or by telephone.