Protecting Your Property if Flooding is Imminent
What Would You Do To Protect Your Property If Flooding Was Imminent?
What would you do if you just received a warning that flooding was imminent? How would you protect your property and its contents? Public Loss Adjusters have compiled a useful list of things to do to protect your property from damage caused by flooding.
Ensure You Have The Correct Insurance In Place Just In Case a Flood Occurs in The Future
Most building insurance policies will cover your property for flooding. In some areas that are prone to flooding, it may be a bit harder and more expensive to find insurance coverage. If this is the case then there is a government-backed scheme called Flood Re which can help make the flood cover aspect of your insurance policy more affordable.
Flood damage is very common in the UK, especially in winter. In certain parts of the UK, it seems to happen every year. There are many different regions in the UK that are prone to flooding. For example, areas such as Cornwall, East Coast regions, like Great Yarmouth and Hull, and Sussex and Kent are all prone to coastal floods.
There are many ways that a flood could occur. Another example of one would be riverside flooding. This type of flooding seems to affect areas such as Somerset, Essex, and Norfolk the most. Again, another occurrence of flooding would be floodplains and surface water from heavy rain.
There are many ways to learn if flooding is imminent in your area. One way is to watch out for weather warnings and flood warnings or from local news on the TV, Radio or Social Media.
If there is flooding expected, it is very understandable to panic. Yet, there are many things that you can do before to help the situation before it arrives.
What Should I Do if Flooding is Imminent?
Move any vehicles you own to higher ground if it is safe to do so.
Turn off gas, electricity, and water when floodwater is about to enter your home.
Move as much furniture as you can upstairs.
Store any sentimental or precious items upstairs or out of your property.
Keep important documents in watertight bags upstairs or in a safe dry place.
If possible, roll up any rugs, carpets or curtains and store them in a safe place upstairs.
Any items outside the house that aren’t fixed down, move to a safer location. For example, Barbecues, Dustbins, Garden Furniture.
Unplug all smaller electrical items and store them upstairs or out of the house.
Any sizeable items, E.G. washing machines or cookers, you should raise them on bricks if possible
After you have taken all these precautions, make sure you stay safe during the flood. As they are dangerous events, it can be very easy for people to receive injuries from fast-moving, deep rushing water. failing that, people could also become very ill from swallowing too much water. This is because it has most likely been contaminated by sewage or other pollutants.
It is possible that evacuation from your property may be ordered by your local authorities. If this is the case, you must follow the instructions down to the letter. This is because they are thinking solely about your safety.
Your insurer may be able to provide temporary accommodation after a flood, but in the meantime, you could look to stay with friends or family. If you rent your property and it has been damaged then in most cases, your landlord may be legally required to offer you an alternative place to stay whilst your property is being repaired.
What Can I Do To Stay Safe During A Flood?
Do not go near sources of electricity while in water. If your electricity isn’t switched off, then get a qualified professional to do it for you.
Likewise with your gas.
Do not walk through moving water. As little as 6 inches can knock you over. Also, there may be a hazard underneath that you cannot see.
You should wash your hands when touching floodwater. It is likely that it has been contaminated with sewage and other harmful things.
Don’t return home unless you’re told to by authorities.
What Should I Do Now That It Is Safe To Go Back Into My Property?
When the authorities have told you that you can go home, there may be some considerable damage. You must, above all else, consider the safety of your surroundings and the people around you first.
You should then contact your insurer as soon as you can to lodge your initial claim. It is important that you speak to your insurer before trying to sort anything out by yourself as your policy may have clauses as to what you are or not allowed to do right away.
It is always best to call them as the conversation should be recorded, just in case you need to refer back to what was advised at a later date. If your insurance policy includes alternative accommodation ask if it can be arranged for somewhere for you to stay as soon as possible.
It may be tempting to start cleaning up but make sure you take as many photos of the damage as you can of both the building and also its damaged contents. Do not throw anything until you are told to do so.
Flood insurance claims can be very complicated and very stressful. In many cases your insurer may not be as helpful as you would have expected them to be. If this is the case it may be time to ask for the help of an insurance claims management professional to get involved to work on your behalf and negotiating a sufficient settlement package.
How Public Loss Adjusters Can Help With Flood Insurance Claims
If your property has been flooded by water, then it can be an extremely challenging time. One of the most challenging aspects of the situation is the insurance claim. Our Loss Adjusters and Loss Assessors can manage your flood insurance claim for you from start to finish. We will deal with your insurance company on your behalf and ensure that you get everything you’re entitled to.
Flood damage can devastate your building and its contents. This is why it is a good idea to have someone who can provide expert knowledge to aid you with your claim. Here at Public Loss Adjusters, we can do that. We make sure that your final settlement will cover the complete cost of the revival of your property.
If you need help with flood insurance claims, feel free to call 08000 434 999
