As the winter season approaches, it’s essential to take proactive measures to protect your static caravan and outdoor belongings from potential theft and the wrath of stormy weather.
During the off-season, it’s important to not only keep your outdoor possessions safe but also secure so they don’t damage your holiday caravan or other units on the park should windy weather strike.
Choose a secure storage box or shed
When it comes to protecting your outdoor belongings, your choice of storage matters. Opt for a storage box or shed that is robust, secure, and preferably made of materials that can withstand the elements. Look for models with reinforced doors, sturdy construction, and secure locking mechanisms.
See our guide to outdoor storage.
Invest in quality padlocks for sheds and storage boxes
Sheds and outdoor storage boxes are often home to valuable items such as bikes, barbecues, garden furniture, washing machines, tools, garden equipment and even fishing or water sports equipment.
To secure these units effectively from thieves, invest in high-quality, weather-resistant padlocks. Look for padlocks designed to withstand the harsh winter elements, including rain, snow, and sea salt.
A robust padlock can deter potential thieves and keep your belongings safe.
Remember, outdoor storage units are covered by our holiday caravan insurance policy as they’re part of the structure of your static caravan or lodge. The contents and personal possessions you keep inside them are also covered as long as you keep the storage unit locked.
How to prevent locks from seizing up
It’s not just thieves you need to worry about during the winter months; the cold and damp can also affect your locks. To make sure your padlocks and shed locks remain functional, lubricate them with a greaseless lubricant such as graphite powder before winter sets in. Amazon sell the Kasp Graphite Powder.
Also, consider covering outdoor padlocks with an old sock and then wrapping with plastic bag to shield them from cold temperatures and direct exposure to rain, snow and ice. Periodically check and test your locks throughout the winter to make sure they remain in working order.
Install shed alarms
For added security, consider installing a shed alarm. These devices can alert you, a neighbour, or park staff, to any unauthorised access to your storage spaces.
Shed alarms come in various models, including those with motion detectors, door contact sensors, and even smart alarms that can send alerts to your mobile phone. This extra layer of protection can help scare off a thief and alert you quickly if someone does try to break in.
Property marking
Security mark outdoor items with your holiday park postcode and plot number. You can do this with a permanent marker pen, tamper-proof sticker, or UV pen. This makes it easier to identify and recover stolen property.
Tie down outdoor storage boxes and furniture
Each year, we deal with claims for storm damage to sheds and outdoor storage units, so it’s important to make sure you tie or weigh them down. You might be able to find a secure anchor point on your caravan or decking – potentially ask your park operator for the best anchoring point. Plus make sure that any lids and doors are securely fastened before bad weather strikes and when locking up at the end of the season.
Outdoor furniture can easily become projectiles during a severe storm. To prevent them from causing damage or getting blown away, move them inside or secure them with straps or tie-downs.
Barbecues are also a popular target for theft due to their portability. To prevent your BBQ from disappearing during the winter, consider chaining it to a secure anchor point or storing it in a shed or inside your static caravan. A heavy-duty chain and padlock can keep your barbecue in place, making sure it’s ready for use when the weather warms up again.
Move things inside
Some of your outdoor furniture might be susceptible to damage from extreme weather. If you have smaller items that can be easily moved off your decking, consider taking them inside your static caravan for the winter months or storing them away in a shed. This not only protects them from theft but also from the potential damage caused by heavy rain, snow, or freezing temperatures, as well as making sure they stay secure outside your holiday caravan during windy weather.
A common static caravan insurance claim is for damage to static caravan panels and windows from stray items blowing around when it’s stormy.
Securing your outdoor items at your static caravan during winter involves a combination of robust locks and storage, chaining down or moving items inside, and proactive maintenance.
Over to you…
Do you have any tips for securing your outdoor items during the winter months? We’d love to hear how you keep your outdoor belongings safe and secure. Simply comment in the box below.
