In recent years, flash floods have impacted unexpected parts of the UK. These sudden events caused by heavy rain overwhelming drainage systems can have devastating effects, especially for basement properties.
As we enter winter we are seeing the damage from the first of this season’s storms. Flood warnings were widespread in the wake of Storm Bert and Storm Conall, resulting from heavy rainfall across the UK during the last week.
Recovering from flood and storm damage can be frustrating and time consuming. By staying proactive and informed, you can minimise risks and recover quicker.
What can you do today to prepare for flooding?
Stay informed
Sign up for weather alerts through the Met Office.
How can you protect your property
Give consideration to fixed flood defences (such as flood barrier doors), or having a supply of sandbags on hand if you feel you are at risk of being flooded.
Protect your high value items
Where possible move high value and vulnerable contents to higher areas to reduce the risk of damage.
Utilities
Familiarise yourself with how to turn off your water, gas, and electricity supplies.
Check your insurance
Ensure your business and household insurance includes flood coverage. If not, FloodRe may be able to help provide cover for domestic properties, whilst alternative insurers and methods of risk transfer can assist businesses.
Save key contacts
Keep important numbers such as your insurer and landlord (if applicable) saved on your phone.
Drains
Check that external drains are clear. Report street drainage issues via your council’s website.
Prepare a Flood Kit
Include essentials such as torches, batteries, water, snacks and a first aid kit.
Driving
If you have to drive question whether there is an alternative route you can take. Only attempt to cross a flooded road as a last resort.
What to do after storm damage
Contact us or your insurer immediately
Most insurers offer 24/7 emergency helplines for advice and repair arrangements.
Arrange temporary repairs
Prevent further damage but consult us or your insurer before proceeding.
Keep damaged items
Unless hazardous, retain items for assessment as they may be repairable.
Recovering from Flood Damage
Contact us
Notify us or your insurer immediately. We will be able to advise on the extent of the cover that you have in place, and how this might assist with any interruption to your business or need for alternative premises/accommodation.
Damage Assessment
A loss adjuster appointed by your insurer will assess the damage and outline repair plans, but following widespread flooding it can take them some time to attend your premises. In the meantime you should take as much video and photographic evidence of the flooding and damage as you safely can.
What can you do in the meantime?
You should undertake whatever action you can to minimise the damage you (and therefore the insurer) will suffer.
For a full guide to flood recovery, there is some useful information available on the ABI’s website.
Should you have any questions relating to your insurance arrangements please get in touch.