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More Flood Chaos
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Two years ago, floods caused an estimated ?1 billion of damage. This led the Government to pledge an extra ?51m to flood defences. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) also agreed to leave existing policies in place for higher-risk properties to allow the government time to install new flood defences.
There are around 2 million homes with a value of ?214 billion susceptible to floods with 90% of those properties protected by the minimum standard of one flood in 75 years. December 31st 2002 saw the end of the agreed period between the Government and the ABI and has left to 500,000 people with the uncertainty of not being able to find cover. Under new guidelines insurers are no longer obliged to provide cover for homeowners whose flood defences do not meet the Government's minimum standards.
The insurance industry has agreed to extend indefinitely the terms of insurance to certain risks offered over the last 2 years to enable the government to bring into effect the new flood defences. The government said last July total spending on flood defences would be ?150m a year higher by 2006 but insurers are additionally calling for more detailed information to enable a more accurate assessment of local risks.
The majority of the newly identified buildings should be able to find flood cover although the ABI has advised its members to ensure that premiums reflect the different levels of flood risk around the country. This could see flood protection rising by 25 per cent for house owners in some areas.
Recent surveys have shown only 1 in 20 are aware of the dangers of flooding and know what to do in the event of a flood. For advice in the event of a flood you can visit the Environment Agency's web site at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ or call 0845 988 1188 for the national advice line; all calls are charged at a local rate.
Before a Flood
- Turn off, Gas, Electricity and water at the mains supply.
- Cookers, Washing machines, dishwashers etc. connected by rigid pipes to gas and water supplies should be disconnected. This will prevent damage to the pipes should the appliance float or move during the flooding.
- Unplug all electrical items and store them upstairs, high up or in a loft-space.
- Use silicone sealant to make doors and windows more resistant. Put sealant around the door/window then close and lock until the flooding has passed.
- Reduce the amount of water entering your property. Use sandbags, plywood, metal or plastic sheeting placed on the outside of doors, windows and airbricks. You do not have to seal your property completely, but this will reduce the amount of floodwater entering your property. (After flooding remove any covers over air-bricks as ventilation will aid the drying of your property).
- Floodwaters can enter through drains. The easiest way of preventing this is by putting in plugs and weighing them down with sandbags. Washing machines and dishwashers' outflows should be disconnected and blocked with a cloth/plug to prevent back flow. Placing a sandbag in the toilet bowl will also prevent backflow.
- Floodwater can contaminate foodstuffs and chemicals such as paint, garden pesticides, household cleaning products and garage oils. Similarly these can spill or leak into the floodwaters causing additional clean-up problems. Keep these materials upstairs or high up in your garage/shed.
- Move furniture and electrical items upstairs and (should you have time) roll up rugs, carpets and curtains for suitable storage. (If you don't have time then raise curtains by hanging them over the curtain poles.
- Remember; you cannot replace items of sentimental value, photographs of favourite toys. Keep them upstairs or somewhere high up in your property on a permanent basis.
- Should furniture be too heavy to move empty it and move its contents upstairs. See if you can raise it on bricks to minimise damage, also move it away from walls as this can assist in drying the property later.
During a Flood- Avoid contact with floodwaters; they may be contaminated with sewage.
- Do not wade through high floodwaters; manhole covers may have lifted, leaving deep and dangerous unseen holes.
- Do as instructed by the emergency services - you may have to be evacuated. This will be done for your own good.
- Leave internal ground floor doors open (doors may swell and jam if left closed).
After a Flood- Call your insurance company's (24 hour) Emergency Helpline as soon as possible. They will be able to provide information on dealing with your claim, and assistance in getting things back to normal.
- Keep a record of the flood damage (especially photographs or video footage) and retain correspondence with insurers after the flood.
- Commission immediate emergency pumping/repair work if necessary to protect your property from further damage. This can be undertaken without insurer approval (remember to get receipts).
- Get advice where detailed, lengthy repairs are needed. Your insurer or loss adjuster can give advice on reputable contractors / tradesmen. Beware of bogus tradesmen and always check references.
- Check with your insurer if you have to move into alternative accommodation as the cost is normally covered under a household policy.
- Make sure your insurance company knows where to contact you if you have to move out of your home.
- Contact your gas, electricity and water company. Have your power supplies checked before you turn them back on to make sure they have dried out. Wash taps and run them for a few minutes before use.
- Open doors and windows to ventilate the house but take care to ensure your house and valuables are secure.
- Don't think it can't happen again. Restock your supplies.
- For further assistance call the national advice line 0845 988 1188. All calls are charged at a local rate and available in 8 languages.
If you are about to buy a property
Before you buy a new property research your local area, you should be able to find out
about the community, the social services, and whether or not the area is prone to flooding.
You can even ask the previous owners which insurer they used or call the insurer direct,
they may be able to better assess your requirements over the phone and give you a more
competitive quote.
For further information contact the environment agency.
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