While we may have been experiencing one of the mildest Autumns for many years, it would be foolish to be lulled into a false sense of security about the winter weather ahead.

The forecasters are suggesting it could be at least as severe as last year's.

So it makes sense to take advantage of the current mild conditions and secure your home for the winter while you can.

The following few tips should help keep thing weather-tight.

Pre-winter check up

Make sure all the water pipes in loft spaces and exposed areas are fully lagged.

Locate and make a note of the whereabouts of your mains water stopcock.

Check all your gutters for blockages and, if necessary, have them cleaned out.

When Jack Frost nips

When the temperatures suddenly drop during a cold snap, open the attic door or trap hatch to let some heat into the loft.

Change your central heating control so that the heating is on 24 hours a day rather than on a timed basis.

Run your cold water taps from time to time, to test for a frozen pipe and – if you detect one – call a plumber immediately.

Holiday home hints

If you're going to leave a second property unoccupied for any length of time, leave the central heating on at a low level.

If it's going be empty for a significant period, make sure the central heating system has been drained and the controls have been switched off.

Ask a friend of neighbor to check the property occasionally, with a particular eye on any external piping, and give them the authority to act on your behalf if a pipe bursts.

A little attention now could prevent a disaster later on.

November 3 2011