Insurance
> Home safety
Having security installed at your home can act as a precautionary measure to protect you against burglary and theft. Installing security can prevent an intruder coming into your home when unattended. Some options include;
- Key-operated two-cylinder deadlocks fitted to all external hinged doors
- Key-operated lock or patio bolts fitted to all external sliding doors
- Key-operated single cylinder window locks fitted to all accessible windows
- Security grills or security screens fitted to all accessible windows
- Local or monitored burglar alarm system installed in the home
In addition to these measures, here are some easy steps to help make your home safer;
- Always lock all outside doors and windows when you go out, even if you are only going to be away for 10 minutes.
- Lock your external garage or garden shed with a quality key-operated lock or padlock.
- If you go out at night, leave some internal lights and a radio on.
- Trim trees and shrubs around windows.
- Do not leave keys hidden outside your house.
- If you are in the garden or watching TV, lock up parts of the house you can't keep an eye on.
- Lock away ladders, garden tools and bicycles.
- If you have a lot of jewellery, valuable documents, cash or other negotiable items, consider installing a safe or a burglar alarm.
- Never leave notes for people telling them you are out and when you will be back.
The most common entry points for a burglary are the garage, followed by the bedroom and kitchen. Make sure:
- Garage doors and windows are closed when you are in another part of the house and secured and locked when you are out.
- Windows and sliding doors in bedrooms and the kitchen are closed and properly secured when you are away from home.
Here are just a few of the precautions recommended by the QLD Fire and Rescue Service to protect you, your family and your home:
- Take extra care when assessing the level of risk from intruders so that it also provides for a planned safe means of escape for your family should there be a fire.
- Make sure keys to all locked doors are readily accessible if you have deadlocks fitted.
- Make sure each and every window and door can be quickly opened when required.
- Install an adequate number of suitable smoke alarms and test them regularly. Don't forget to replace the battery in each smoke alarm at least once a year.
- Have a written escape plan in case of fire and practise it regularly.
- Never leave cooking or any other open flame unattended.
- Never smoke in bed and take extra care if consuming alcohol while smoking.
- Store all flammable liquids in purpose-designed containers.
- Fit a fire extinguisher in the home.
- Regularly clean the lint filter of your clothes dryer.
- In winter take extra care when using heaters, electric blankets or open fires. Do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended use by date for electric blankets.
- Don't overload power points. Switch off appliances when not in use.
- Always keep lighters and matches away from children.
- Keep emergency numbers in a very visible place and educate all members of the family how to call for help and escape from fire.
To take out the insurance offered on this section, you will have to complete the application forms attached to the Product Disclosure Statements ("PDS") which you can download from this page. It is important for you to read the PDS's before you make an insurance decision and you should consider carefully whether or not the insurance available is appropriate for you.