Flooding has been a real threat to many people in recent years.  Floods can ruin our homes, cars, business, and possessions and in extreme cases can cause death and major destruction.  We can't stop a flood if it hits, but 1^st Quote tells us the best way to stay safe and keep damage to a minimum.

Insure It

Make sure you can be confident that if a flood hits, you're insured.  This includes contents insurance, which many people forget - because furniture and belongings can be damaged in a flood too.  Check out the level of cover included, and that the company you choose has a hotline to call if you need help or assistance.

Watch It

Watch out for warnings on the TV / radio, Met Office or Local Council websites.  Alert neighbours, especially the elderly and those with young children.  Note the nearest safe place and useful phone numbers.

Move It

Move pets / vehicles / valuables / important documents to safety before the flood sets in.  Move electrical items and furniture as high as possible.  Do as much as you can in daylight, as this will be much harder at night, especially if the power fails.

Plug Up

Prepare a supply of sand bags - these can be obtained from a local builders merchant or the council in some cases.

If the flood is imminent ensure sand bags or flood boards and air brick covers are in place and plug sinks and baths and weigh them down to prevent backflow.

Stock Up

Prepare food that you can eat without cooking, and buy plenty of bottled water.  Keep your mobile phone charged and if possible also keep a pay as you go phone spare. 

Warm Up

Prepare some clean warm clothing and bedding, in case you find yourself without power, or have to move to a shelter

Switch Off

Switch off water and power at the mains.

Get Out

In the event of flash flooding, get yourself, your family and others nearby to the nearest safe place - the local council will provide shelter for those affected.  This is especially important for basement and ground floor flats.

AFTER THE EVENT

First Steps

It may take a long time before you can get your life back to normal after a flood.

The first thing you should do is check it is safe to return to your property - watch out, as there may be hidden dangers in the water and the flood may have damaged the property structurally.

Phone your buildings and contents insurer as soon as possible.  In almost all cases the insurer will send a loss adjuster to look at your property.  They will confirm the damage and what is covered by your policy.

Clearing Up

Flood water can contain sewage so always wear gloves, wellington boots and a facemask.

If the electricity is not already switched off, do not attempt to do this when standing in the flood water - get a professional in.

The best way to get water out of the property is using a pump, but this should only be done when levels outside the property are lower than inside, to avoid further structural damage.

Shovel mud away evenly and wash down property with an ordinary garden hose - it is low pressure and will limit further damage.  Normal household products can be used for disinfecting and cleaning.

Keep windows and doors open if drying naturally, or shut if drying with dehumidifiers.

If you have gas or oil central heating, and an engineer has checked it, you may switch this back on to dry the property out.

Ask your local council for extra rubbish collection or skips to get rid of the waste, but don't throw any goods away before they have been inspected by your insurance company / loss adjuster.

Dealing with an Insurance Claim

Ask your insurer how long it will be before the loss adjuster comes and whether they will clean the property or whether it is up to you to do so.

Make a record of the flood damage yourself by marking the waterline in all rooms, taking photos and videos, to avoid dispute.  Keep receipts and don't throw anything away until told to do so by your insurer.  If you do have to dispose of any perishable goods, keep a list, and take photos for good measure.

Record all phone calls - date and times and what was agreed and keep copies of all correspondence.

Ask your insurance company if they can provide you with temporary accommodation, and remember you do not have to accept the first place you are offered.