What to do before, during and after a flood

In this article, we would like to share with you some tips everyone should know if ever faced with a flood in their property.

Let’s face it: most of us probably have never done anything towards preventing a flood. Maybe we don’t know what we could do, or how we could possibly take action towards preventing a possible flood. Am I right? However, there are certainly a few things we all should do before it’s too late:

• Know who to contact and how: agree where you will go in the event of a flood, and how to contact each other.
• Check with your council if pets are allowed at evacuation centres.
• Always keep a list with all your important contacts to hand.
• You should also think about what you can move now: what we mean is you shouldn’t wait for the flood. If you have items of personal value such as photo albums, family films, and other treasures, move them to a safe place as soon as you can.
• And as we’re speaking of treasures and personal value, you should also think about what you would want to move to safety during a flood: pets, car, furniture, electrical equipment...think about whom you could ask for help and who you could offer to help, particularly vulnerable neighbours or relatives, in a flood.
• Check your insurance cover.
• Know how to turn off you gas, electricity and water mains supplies.
• Prepare a flood kit of essential items and keep it handy.

If you are not sure what equipment to keep handy, we would recommend: floodboards (to fix frames around windows and doors) and sandbags (your local council may provide these during a flood, but they may be scarce. You can buy your own or fill pillow cases and bags with earth.

It’s also very important to know the difference between flood alert and flood warning. The first one means a flood is possible. You should be alert and prepared. The second one, however, implies an action. The flood is definitely expected, and immediate action is required. In these cases, you should protect yourself and your family, and move family, pets and valuables to a safe place.

During a flood, you should always cooperate with the emergency services if they tell you to evacuate. Be prepared to act quickly. You should also keep updated with flood alerts, and you can do this by listening to radio or calling the floodline on 03459881188. If you are in danger, call 999.

Flood water can be very dangerous! Just 6 inches of fast-flowing water can knock over an adult, and 2 feet of water can easily move a car! Always avoid walking or driving through it.

After a flood, the first thing you should do is to take care, as there may be hidden dangers in the flood water like sharp objects that we can’t see. In most cases, the insurance companies will send a loss adjuster to have a look at your property. They will confirm what repairs are needed and covered by your policy. If you rent your property, you should call your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.

Things to help with your insurance claim:

• Confirm the insurance company will pay for any service or equipment you need.
• Make a note of all telephone calls. Record the date, name and what was agreed.
• Don’t throw anything away until told, except ruined food.
• Keep receipts and copies of all the letters and emails you send and receive.
• Photograph or video record your damaged property.

At Imperial Claims Consultants, one of the types of claims we handle is floods. You can always contact us, before you speak to anyone else. Not only will we make sure you receive what you are entitled to, but we can also do all the repairs work for you. We have a qualified panel of contractors available, and you can contact us 24/7. We provide a full range of disaster restoration services and full property reinstatement works with no costs at all to the insured, as we claims our money from the insurance companies. 

We hope this article was helpful, and that you now feel more prepared to act in the event of a flood.