DESPITE a mild start to this year's winter, it now seems that the weather is set to turn colder and islanders are being warned to take the necessary precautions to protect their property.

'We have been lulled into a false sense of security with the warmer weather of late but this is the time to check your homes for signs that it might not stand-up to another harsh winter,' said Pete Jennings, claims team leader for the Insurance Corporation.

'The first thing to check is your roof. Look out for any cracked or missing tiles and ensure that your guttering is not damaged or blocked. Given the propensity for strong winds in the island, it is also a good idea to ensure your TV aerial is firmly fixed and will not come loose.'

Frozen and consequently burst pipes are a leading cause of insurance claims but there are ways to avoid such damage.

'Firstly you need to ensure that all taps and pipes are working properly and that there are no leaks. Lack of insulation is one of the key causes of frozen pipes. That means lagging those that are outside but also the ones in your loft and don't forget to turn off your outside taps.

'If there is a cold snap it is best to leave your heating running 24 hours a day to ensure that your home doesn't drop below seven degrees. This is also a good idea if you are going away and won't know how cold it will get in your home. Opening your loft hatch will also allow that hot air to circulate round your water tank and prevent it from freezing.'

In the event of a frozen pipe it is important to know where your stopcock is and to have a list of emergency numbers handy such as a plumber, Guernsey Gas and neighbours that might be affected.

'A burst pipe can cause serious damage to the structure of your home and is clearly dangerous when it comes to electrical wiring. In the event of a burst pipe, switch off your mains via the stopcock - this will mitigate the damage.

'By switching off the central heating and turning on all the taps you can help drain the system. So long at it is not wet, it would also be advisable to switch off the mains electric too. Then it is time to call in the professionals to make any repairs.'

But water isn't the only concern. An increase in the use of portable heaters and open fires during cold spells also increases the risk of conflagration.

'Firstly the safest way to protect you and your home is to have working smoke alarms. Two alarms should be installed in an average home, one in the hall and one on the upstairs landing. A good guide is to ensure that it can be heard from all bedrooms.

'Open fires and portable heaters must be treated sensibly, keeping flammable items away and ensuring they are switched off or extinguished before leaving them unattended are a good start.'

Insurance Corporation is keen to ensure that islanders are safe during the colder months.

'Prevention is far better than a claim. As a local insurance company we can process claims relatively quickly because we understand the island but it is a laborious process and one that we are sure islanders will want to avoid,' said Mr Jennings.