With 1200 soldiers being put on standby to tackle floods this winter, the government is taking steps to help out if last year’s torrential rain and storms are repeated. Thousands of families faced heartache when they needed to evacuate their homes and the clean-up operation and insurance claims are estimated to have cost in excess of £5billion.
If your home is at risk of flooding, it’s worthwhile taking steps to prepare yourself. We’ve teamed up with RSA, one of the UK’s leading home insurance providers, to gather a few simple ideas to help you protect your property against rising water, and advise what to do should the worst happen.
Follow our handy hints to make sure you stay home and dry.
- If you live close to a watercourse, regularly check debris screening. Contact the responsible authority if you notice any obstruction to the flow of water as this could lead to localised flooding.
- Keep an eye on the government’s flood warning website which gives information about local floods. It can be found here https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/
- Act on a flood warning by stocking up on sandbags to help keep water at bay. Your local council may provide these. Consider lightweight polymer sandbags. Though compact, they expand with water to provide similar protecting to regular sandbags.
- Prepare a flood pack complete with emergency essentials such as a torch, first aid kit and wind up radio, keeping it easily accessible
- Put all your insurance documents and emergency contact details in a watertight bag to keep them safe, even if your home floods
- Keep your phone fully charged. It could be a valuable means of contact if you’re cut off.
- Understand your local area so you can plan an evacuation route if necessary
- Switch off gas and electricity supplies immediately if water starts to enter your home
- If flood water starts rising, take early action to move furniture, electrical items and valuables upstairs. Keeping them away from the water, especially sentimental items, is essential to avoid damage.
- Keep pets away from water. Make sure they have somewhere comfortable upstairs with a supply of pet food ready.
- Stay tuned to local radio and TV reports for advice on what to do next
- In the event that external flood waters approach 1m in height, open doors to let the water in. This prevents potential collapse of walls.
- If you come into contact with flood water, never eat or put contaminated hands near your mouth or open wounds until sanitised
- Drainage covers removed by flood water may create potentially unseen hazards, so be extra vigilant when outside
- Lend support where possible to vulnerable neighbours, such as the elderly or disabled, who are at greater risk.
If you are unsure about carrying out any of these checks then please consult an appropriate and trusted tradesperson.
At PayingTooMuch.com we offer great value home insurance to cover your buildings and contents. We also offer Home Emergency Cover at just £34.95 which gives 24/7 support 365 days per year should the worst happen. Give our friendly team a call today on 01243 219333 if you’d like more details.
