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Spring Cleaning Tips For Your Home

AXA Spring Cleaning Tips

Regardless of the chill that still lingers in the air, spring has arrived. Whenever I hear the term spring I more often than not associate it with cleaning. And just as much as I truly despise cleaning, dusting off the dirt and polishing things up puts a little smile on my face. For a lot of us, it indicates it’s time for a fresh start.

Cleaning isn’t any small task, though. In reality, it might often consume a huge part of your precious time that many of us may give up on. To make your spring cleaning adventure less painful, I’ll share a few recommendations that very often assist me to tackle my dirty house.

Create a list of what has to be cleaned in every room.

Lists assist me to stay organized in particular when I’ve got a huge project, like spring cleaning, on my plate. Before I even begin, I walk through each room and jot down what has to get done. Writing a list out can also help me make sure I’ve each of the cleaning materials I need before I get started, saving me plenty of time later. It’s a pain in the butt if you need to stop everything to run out and purchase more carpet cleaning solution.

Get yourself a trash and donate box.

As you go through each room, be sure to declutter. Get rid of old magazines and papers from the previous the year. Put items you will no longer use or need, like that book you purchased 10 years ago but never read, inside the donate box.

Set an amount of time to work on each room.

I am aware I can get easily side-tracked, taking a look at items I’d forgotten or old photographs, and before I know it I’ve wasted the entire day cleaning only one room. Set a timer which means yous don’t fall into this trap. It’s also possible to make use of the timer to give yourself a little break every now and then. Just like a list, it will help keep you on the right track. Believe me, I get easily side-tracked.

Get some assistance.

Don’t do all of the cleaning yourself. Recruit your children, partner or roommates to assist you. I know that when my roommates and I pitch in together to completely clean the kitchen, it takes approximately half the amount of time that is required after I undertake it myself. In truth, if those who live there make the mess, they ought also help clean it.

Use natural cleaners

A lot chemical-based cleaners release hazardous gases. Some cleaners when diversified together can also emit toxic fumes that may seriously hurt you. Vinegar is a superb substitute to work with within your bathroom or kitchen and as an over-all household cleaning solution. Even though it sounds crazy, vodka can also substitute for chemical cleaners.

Reward yourself at the end

Having something to look forward to at the end of a long day of cleaning sure makes things go a lot faster. Plus, you worked hard and deserve it. Treat yourself.

These helpul tips were bought to you by AXA Home Insurance

Bang, crash, wallop. Sorted!

Your car insurance doesn’t matter. Until it does! We all want the best price but it’s only if you claim that you find out how good (or bad) the cover really is.

Here’s an everyday event to prove the point. You’re driving and you hit something (a lamp post, another car or that low wall outside the Shops- you know the one!). Your car is damaged but mobile and you’ve got to get it to the garage for repairs and sort out a courtesy car for a few days. Not part of your plan this.

AXA have this sorted. Our pick-up and delivery is brilliant and simple;

  1. We drive your courtesy car to you (at home or your place of work, whatever makes sense)
  2. Your damaged car is taken away for repair (with a minimum 3 year guarantee)
  3. We bring it back and drive your courtesy car away.

Where were you in all of this? That’s the point. You were where you needed to be, getting on with life.

There are some terms and conditions (including the fact you must be an AXA  customer) but pick-up and delivery is one of the reasons that AXA are Ireland’s largest motor insurer. See for yourself. Ring us on 1890 24 7 365 or go to Click here to go to the full website

Free Bike Maintenance workshop for Kids this Easter!

This Easter, AXA Plus are delighted to offer AXA Customers free workshops for their kids from our partner ‘Halfords’.

Halfords are holding in store free workshops for children aged around 8 to 10 years old. The workshop will teach them the basics of bike maintenance and how to look after their bike.

Places can be booked online via Halfords

But hurry places are limited and are available on a first come basis. A parent or guardian needs to accompany each child.

List of the Halfords venues with dates and times are below

Blanchardstown 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Carlow 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Carrickmines 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Castlebar 03 April 2013 10am / 10 April 2013 10am
Cavan 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Coolock 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Cork 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Drogheda 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Dundalk 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Galway 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Kilkenny 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Letterkenny 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Liffey Valley 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Limerick 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Naas 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Navan 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Portlaoise 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Sligo 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Swords 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Tallaght 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Tralee 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Waterford 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am
Wexford 27 March 2013 10am / 03 April 2013 10am

Spot Flooding warning for Eastern Coastal Counties !

Met Eireann have issued a weather warning for Today & Tomorrow

1. Widespread heavy rain & prolonged showers have been forecast for Leinster, Munster and Connaght. Eastern Leinster Counties are more at risk due to ESE gale force winds.

In order to avoid damage to your home and car, AXA offers these tips:

  • Secure all outdoor furniture and loose items
  • Don’t park your car in an area where it may be damaged
  • Secure all gates, fences and doors of sheds and barns
  • Prevention is often better than the cure so check if any roof tiles are loose and try and get these repaired ahead of the storm
  • When driving in high winds you can be blown off course by a strong gust so slow your speed and keep both hands on the steering wheel
  • Be cautious driving near high sided vehicles as these are extra sensitive to high winds
  • There may be fallen trees, branches or debris on your roads. Slow down and keep your eyes peeled at all times
  • Watch out for cyclists that may be blown in your direction.

With coastal and spot flooding likely along Atlantic coastal Counties, please follow these tips:

  • Slow down and keep a safe distance from the car in front
  • Don’t drive at speed into floodwaters , it can cause your car to aquaplane
  • Find out how deep the floodwaters are before you drive through them to avoid flooding your engine
  • Remember potholes can be hidden in floodwaters so be careful when driving
  • If visibility is poor , use dipped headlights
  • Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer damage to your car or home just call us on our dedicated 24 Hours Claims Line 1890 24 7 365.

Brought to you by AXA Car Insurance Ireland – Supporting Road Safety in Ireland

As Paddy’s Day approaches, be careful on our roads!

The death toll from road accidents in Ireland is increasing with 44* killed (28 in 2012 for the same period) so far this year and statistics show that over the Paddy’s Bank holiday weekend 3 people were killed in 2012 (16-19 March 2012).

AXA has an on-going commitment to road safety and reducing traffic related accidents through its sponsorship of the hard-hitting television advertisements, and through our AXA Roadsafe Roadshows which are shown to transition year students around the country.

AXA Insurance recommends the following precautions to ensure a fun and safe Paddy’s weekend:

AXA Insurance has the following advice for road users:

  • Slow down- drive at a speed appropriate to road conditions
  • Never, ever drink and drive
  • Exercise appropriate care when overtaking or turning onto major road junctions
  • Maintain enough distance from the car in front
  • Allow enough time for your journey, stop for breaks at regular intervals to avoid fatigue
  • Ensure that all back seat passengers wear their seatbelts.

Brought to you by AXA Car Insurance Ireland

Top 10 tips to protect your home!

AXA Insurance are proud to support

the upcoming An Garda Siochanna Home   Security Exhibition.

Date:               Saturday, 23rd March

Time:              11:00 – 17:00

Location:      The Royal Hotel, Bray

The exhibition will cover home security issues such as alarms, CCtv, secure doors, home oil security, fire safety, property and antique marking and photography.

Sergeant John Gill is the Crime Prevention Officer for County Wicklow and is based at Bray Garda Station. Here are his  top 10 tips  to protect your home:

1. A burglar will always go for a house that looks easy to break into, so if your home looks difficult to enter the chances are that he will move on.

2. Don’t leave spare keys outside. The criminal will be aware of the usual hiding places under the flowerpot or doormat or on a string inside the letter box.

3. Make sure your back door is secure. Criminals usually prefer to get in at the back as they are less likely to be seen. Patio doors should be fitted with mortise bolts and sliding patio doors should be fitted with an anti-lift device. The back gate should be fitted with a good quality padlock. Don’t leave the back door open if you are upstairs as burglaries can occur while the householder is in the house.

4. Fit key operated locks on all accessible windows big and small and lock them when you go out. The gap required for a burglar to break in is just a little bit bigger than a human head.

5. Keep all ladders locked in the shed or chain them to something solid. Wheelie bins are often the perfect height to stand on to reach a window so chain them to a wall or fence away from the house.

6. Fit a sturdy visible second lock on your front door, as a door fitted with only one lock might not be able to withstand a criminal attack. It is recommended that you fit a five or seven lever mortise deadlock sunk into the frame of the door.

7. Fit a spy hole in the front door as burglars will sometimes knock to see if anyone is in. They will not know if the house is empty or if you have decided not to open the door. Fit a door chain to the front door.

8. Use blinds or nets on windows to discourage prying eyes and close your curtains at night.

9. Join your local Neighbour Watch or Community Alert scheme and attach the sticker to the front window. This is a deterrent as burglars will be aware that someone maybe watching them.

10. If budgets permit you should consider installing an intruder alarm system.

Make sure your home insurance gives you the cover you need against weather-related damage – check out AXA’s cover here.

Brought to you by AXA Home Insurance Ireland

No more nervous breakdowns

AXA Breakdown Cover Van

Most people have a fuzzy notion of motor breakdown assistance. Your car stops (or won’t even start). Or maybe it’s a flat tyre; no petrol or you’ve locked your keys on the inside. You call a mechanic. The problem is fixed and off you go. So far, so good.

But what if your car can’t be fixed. What then? And how do you get to your destination?

With AXA motor rescue the answers are simple. If we can’t sort the problem on the spot, we’ll tow your car to your home (if it isn’t in the driveway already), a secure alternative or the nearest garage capable of fixing the problem. If needs be, we’ll get you and up to 4 passengers home or to your destination (whichever is nearest). If it’s the dead of night or transport isn’t readily available we’ll even pay toward one night’s accommodation. And cover applies 365 days (or nights!) a year in Ireland and the UK.

Handy that -but then it’s what you expect from Ireland’s largest motor insurer.

So now you know. AXA motor rescue gets you there. And back. There’s no mystery to the cost either. This is available from as little as €45.00 !

Winter Driving Tips

Time to wrap up warm! The weather  is to turn even colder tonight with temperatures dropping to as low as -6c!! Icy roads and more falls of snow will make conditions worse.

For people that have been affected by the snow to their homes and cars, visit AXA Claims now

AXA would like to make drivers aware of the following:

  • Slow down! Speed limits are set for normal driving conditions.
  • Use a de-icer to thaw your complete windscreen before you drive off
  • Always make sure your mobile phone is charged before you start your journey & pack some snacks , water , snow boots and a blanket in case you get stuck or need to abandon the car.
  • Make sure you give enough distance to brake from the car in front in icy conditions, three times more than usual is a safe distance.
  • For freezing fog conditions, please use fog lights and remember to turn off when weather improves
  • The glare from the sun can be dazzling in the winter when the sun is low in the sky, so wear sunglasses in these conditions
  • If you come across icy conditions, remember to stay calm and slow your car down by lowering your gear instead of braking. If you drive in a higher gear, this will stop the engine revs and your wheels from spinning.

When the winter weather hits home:

  • Check that attic pipes are well insulated and leave the attic door ajar, Hot air rises!
  • Locate your water stop cock. In the event of burst pipes, this will help you to turn the water off and stop the damage.
  • Keep gutters and drains free of leaves
  • Set your central heating to constant at a minimum of 13 centigrade to keep the house warm.

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer damage to your car or home just call us on our dedicated 24 Hours Claims Line 1890 24 7 365.

Brought to you by AXA Car Insurance Ireland – Supporting Road Safety in Ireland

Winter Driving tips – Video

Just when we thought the freezing winter of 2010 was a distant memory and the milder winter weather of last year would prevail, it looks like Jack Frost has decided to reappear next week!

Met Éireann has advised in their forecast that during the middle and later part of next week, there will be fresh north-east to north breezes. To me and you, that means if you live in northern or eastern counties you might get your first glimpse of some snow showers which may lead to accumulations, even on lower ground.

Motorists should be particularly aware of dangerous ‘black ice’ next week, as a polar air mass is due to send temperatures dipping as low as -5C.

Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are urging people to be cautious on the roads following the recent frosty nights, as with temperatures dropping to below freezing this can leave dangerous patches of ‘black ice’ in places.

If a road appears polished or glossy, the RSA warns to be aware that there could be a patch of ‘black ice’ lurking. If you are affected by ice or snow on the roads next week, remember to check out the following tips: http://youtu.be/Lxqr6GulQzY (John Colman Winter Driving Tips)

AXA recommends drivers to take the following simple precautions when driving in freezing or snowy conditions:

  • Slow down! Speed limits are set for normal driving conditions.
  • Always make sure your mobile phone is charged before you start your journey and only use it if you are not driving or have a hands-free unit fitted to your car.
  • In icy conditions, make sure to give yourself enough breaking room by leaving enough space between your car and the car in front. A good rule of thum is to leave three times more distance than usual.
  • If driving in freezing fog conditions, use your dipped headlights at all times. In severe fog, turn on your fog lights (but remember to switch them off once conditions improve).
  • If you encounter icy conditions, remember to stay calm and slow your car down by lowering your gear instead of breaking.
  • If you drive in a higher gear, this will lead to less torque so the wheels of your car are less likely to spin and cause you to skid. Before the winter weather hits home:
  • Check that your attic pipes are well insulated and leave your attic door ajar
  • Locate your water stop cock. In the event of burst pipes, this will enable you to turn the water off and minimise the damage.
  • Keep your gutters and drains free of debris
  • Set your central heating to constant at a minimum of 13 centigrade. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer damage to your car or home just call us on our dedicated 24 Hours Claims Line 1890 24 7 365.

Brought to you by AXA Car Insurance Ireland – Supporting Road Safety in Ireland

Tips for motorists at Halloween

Halloween is here, and with it the annual challenge of fashioning complicated outfits out of toilet rolls, cellotape, milk cartons and, if you’re really fancy, papier-mâché!

For children, tonight is all about having fun.

They dress up as their favourite cartoon character, superhero or ghastly ghoul but often ending up looking like none – or a combination – of these, thanks to the less-than-stellar prop-building skills of their ever-willing parents.

Then traipse around their neighbours’ houses in an effort to build up the world’s biggest stockpile of sweets. [Aside: Back in my day, some less ‘generous’ folk used to try to convince myself and my friends that monkey nuts were actually a treat…if you attempt this tonight, do it at your own risk!]

And, inevitably, after consuming their own body weight in E number-laden treats, they collapse into bed in a sugar-induced slumber.

On a more sombre note it is important to remember that 15 road deaths were recorded in October 2011. The most likely times of the day where fatalities occur is at dusk and late at night, the changing of the clocks in October highlights this.

For parents there are two main rules to follow at Halloween:

  1. Never, ever, under any circumstance, seem in any way confused about what each ‘Trick-or-Treat-er’ is dressed as!; and most importantly of all
  2. Take extra care on the roads – both as a driver and a pedestrian.

AXA Insurance has some simple tips to help parents, children and motorists enjoy this Halloween night:

Tips for Motorists

  • Watch carefully for trick-or-treaters walking on roads and footpaths – remember that a lot of children will be dressed in dark-coloured costumes that aren’t reflective, making it more difficult to see them.
  • Be aware that some children will be wearing masks that may obscure their sight and hearing, and their ability to see a car on the road.
  • Be particularly careful going into and out of driveways. Slow down.
  • Be patient. Give children lots of time to cross the street. Their costumes may impair their ability to see and hear you, and to get out of your way quickly.
  • Don’t overestimate a child’s judgement. Kids may forget to “stop, look, and listen,” so don’t assume that they will and they often have a difficult time judging distance and speed.
  • Please ensure that you keep a distance between you and the car in front.

Guidelines for Parents and Children

-          Stay out of the street. Always walk on the footpath. If there are no footpaths, walk facing oncoming traffic.
-          Make sure you – and any children you’re with – can be easily seen. Carry a flashlight. If possible, wear costumes that are light-coloured. Darker-coloured costumes and bags should be decorated with hi-visibility tape.
-          Make sure trick-or-treaters can see and hear properly. Consider using face paint instead of masks, or if your child does wear a mask,  it should be well fitting with eye- and ear- holes that don’t obscure their sight and hearing.

Brought to you by AXA Car Insurance Ireland – Supporting Road Safety in Ireland