Introduction - in the last few years, due to climate changes, flooding has become more prevalent in the United Kingdom. Damage caused by flooding can be expensive so it is of paramount importance to ensure that you have a Home Insurance policy that will provide adequate cover in the event that a flood occurs at your Home.  However no amount of insurance will compensate you for the inconvenience and upset caused by a flood so we hope that these tips will help you limit your exposure to a loss:-

• At the present moment, about 5 million Homeowners are at risk of flooding in the United Kingdom firstly it is important that you identify if you fall in to this group. Whilst many insurance companies will have data and statistics telling them if your Home is at risk, the onus is still on you to let them know if you are situated in a flood plain etc. Remember, just because you home has not previously suffered flood damage, does not mean it will not in the future. The environmental Flood help line on 0845 988 1188 will give you flood information 24 hours a day. If you are a higher risk of flooding consider buying sand bags or flood boards, if you call the above number, they will be happy to give you a list of suppliers.

• Check that you have a valid Buildings & Contents Insurance policy and make sure you keep the policy documents, particularly the information on how to make a claim in a safe place. You may need it in a hurry. Most insurers now operate 24-hour insurance claim hotlines and are quick to assist in the event of an emergency. In the event of a claim, most insurers will allow you to effect temporary emergency repairs but it is always bet to seek their guidance before spending money, they may be able to recommend tradespersons and secure a discount. When taking out your Home Insurance policy always tell the insurers if you have suffered previous flood claim(s) or live in an area that is at risk. Failure to tell your insurance company this information may hamper your chances of making a claim.

• Personal documents such as driving licences, marriage & birth certificates, share certificates or anything that cannot not easily be replaced should be kept in a watertight bag or contained well away from any anticipated flood damage. It is a good idea to set up a “ Disaster File”; you can locate all of your important documents in this file, including phone numbers & Insurance documents etc.

• Keep battery operated torches in a safe place, perhaps with your “Disaster File”, you may need light in a hurry and a flood may occur in the dark.

• Invest in a mobile phone and a battery powered radio, these will help you to obtain information from the emergency services.

• If you suspect that there is a heightened chance of a flood at your home, try to move as much of your belongings as possible upstairs. Pay particular attention to valuables and electrical items.. If this is not possible, try to move items off the floor perhaps on to bricks and blocks. Roll up mats and carpets and remember curtains that reach to the floor, take them down if possible Of course this may not be practical or possible with heavier items and don’t take any risks to your health.. Remember, floodwaters can rise very quickly.

• Try to move items away from walls as this will assist with drying out.

• Always leave your internal doors open.

• Turn off your electricity supply, gas supply and water supplies at the mains. Keep a record of where these can be found in a safe place.

• If you cannot remove electrical items remember to unplug them.

• Items outside the home such as dustbins or chemical containers, car oil or petrol cans etc, should be moved to safer areas.

• Move you car or motorcycle to higher ground if possible and remove any valuable items such as tools and contents to a place of safety.

• If there is a manhole cover in the vicinity of your house, try to secure it with a heavy object.

• If you suspect that a flood is imminent, remember to alert your neighbours as well.

• Floodwater is frequently contaminated with sewage; try to avid contact at all costs.

• Remember floodwater is dangerous, as little as 6 inches of water could knock you off your feet and at 2.5feet, your car may start to float. Be very careful, a manhole cover that has come away presents an unseen hazard.

• Never attempt to swim in floodwater; you can easily be swept away.

• Keep away from sea and river defences at the time of floods, you may be just be wanting a “ spectacular view” but things can change very rapidly with rising water, you may quickly find yourself in a great deal of danger.

• Seawater may look spectacular during a storm but it may through up stones or pebbles