By Jonathan Thomas
Know Your Money Editor

With the winter weather stepping up a level and becoming more extreme now could be a good time to ensure that you are fully protected to minimise the risk of unnecessary bother and prepared for what to do if something unexpected happens.

Get home insurance

Perhaps the most important thing to do is to compare home insurance prices, because if you haven't already got it then it may prove to be essential that you look to get it. If the worst happens, you'll be covered and can get your belongings replaced. Shop around for the best deal for you and your needs.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast

Keeping a look out for the weather forecast is always wise in winter conditions and especially so if you're planning to leave your home unattended. However, there are places other than the usual national and local TV and radio reports that you can take a look at in the winter season.

If you're in an area that normally suffers from flooding problems then keep tabs on the Environment Agency website as it is responsible for issuing flood warnings in England and Wales. For those of you in Scotland, you can check the website for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

The Met Office carries localised information on weather and flood risks. Local authorities will be offering relevant advice for your area and setting up centres for evacuees. It may also be able to offer you emergency supplies, including sandbags.

Minimise the risk

As well as keeping aware of what the weather plans to do there are measures that you can take to minimise the chances of the winter weather being a hazard to you. Downpours of rain, snow, ice, wind and debris all have the potential to damage your property or worse still, pose a risk to you. So there are several things that you can do now to avoid having to make a claim on your home insurance that could have been prevented.

Ensure that roof tiles are secured as in high winds they could blow off and damage property. Check that your drains are clear as drains full of debris means that excess water will have nowhere to run and this can increase the risk of flooding. Make sure your boiler is running smoothly, if you're unsure of its reliability then get it serviced.

Adrian Bloomer, Nationwide's senior controller for general insurance services, claims unit, offers some advice: "It is a good idea to do an annual check of the outside of your property to make sure that roofs and walls are in good condition. Damaged tiles, bricks, mortar and render could let in water.

"Remember to check that all drains and gutters are clear of any debris and that any nearby trees are cut back to minimise the risk of falling branches damaging your home. Also make sure that gates and fences are in good repair as this will help to protect them against storm damage."

"When the weather gets bad, monitor local news and weather forecasts, or the Environment Agency's website to see if floods are forecast in your area. If they are, you can minimise damage by moving essentials and valuables upstairs. Think about whether you need to move television sets, food or clothing and items of sentimental value such as photo albums."

If a problem strikes let your home insurance company know

If your property becomes damaged contact your insurer immediately. It is sometimes necessary for an assessment to be made before expensive repair work is done. Always check to see what you need to do in the event of a problem occurring.