A broken window is one of those situations that demands immediate action. Whether it has been smashed in a break-in, cracked by a stray ball, or shattered by storm debris, the steps you take in the first few minutes matter — for your safety, your security, and your wallet.

Here is a clear, practical guide to follow.

The first priority is safety. Broken glass is razor-sharp and can cause serious injuries. Keep children and pets well away from the area. Do not attempt to pick up large shards with bare hands — use thick gloves or a dustpan and brush for smaller fragments.

If the window is at height or in a difficult location, do not attempt to reach it yourself. Wait for a professional.

Take a moment to understand what you are dealing with:

• Is it a security risk? A ground-floor or accessible window with a large hole needs to be secured immediately.
• Is it weather-related? If it is raining or cold, you will want a temporary cover in place as quickly as possible.
• Was it a break-in? If so, do not touch anything else in the property until you have called the police and received a crime reference number. You will need this for your insurance claim.

If the break is small and the glass is still largely in place, you may be able to leave it temporarily. For larger breaks:

• Use heavy-duty tape (gaffer tape or duct tape) to cover the hole from the inside.
• A thick plastic sheet or bin bag secured with tape can provide a temporary weatherproof barrier.
• For ground-floor windows, consider placing furniture in front of the opening as an additional deterrent.

These are temporary measures only — they are not secure and should not be left in place for more than a few hours.

This is the most important step. A professional emergency glazier can:

• Board up the window securely within the hour
• Replace the glass on the same visit in many cases
• Provide a proper repair that restores security and weatherproofing

At Emergency Glaziers Essex, we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We cover Essex, London, Surrey, and Kent, and aim to be with you within 60 minutes of your call.

Call us now: 07596 081381 or 0800 634 3117 (free)

Once the immediate situation is under control, notify your home or business insurance provider. Most policies cover accidental damage and break-ins. You will typically need:

• A description of how the damage occurred
• A crime reference number if it was a break-in
• An invoice or quote from the glazier

Keep all receipts and documentation. If you have called us, we can provide a detailed invoice for your insurer.

Once the immediate repair is done, it is worth thinking about whether the replacement glass should be an upgrade on what was there before. Options include:

• Toughened (tempered) glass — much harder to break, and when it does break it crumbles into small blunt pieces rather than sharp shards
• Laminated glass — holds together when broken, providing an additional barrier against intruders
• Double or triple glazing — improves thermal and acoustic performance at the same time

Our glaziers can advise you on the best option for your property and budget.

A broken window does not have to mean a stressful night. With the right help, it can be sorted quickly and professionally — often within the hour.

Related reading: Emergency Boarding Up: What to Expect · The Benefits of Toughened Glass · How to Improve Home Security with Better Glazing