Hot on the heels of recent storms, parts of Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are on high alert due to the expected winds and rain from Storm Frank, set to hit the UK on the 30th December.
Whilst our attention is on those that suffered property damage in the floods on boxing day, Ravenhall would like to reissue advice to clients all over the UK to ensure that you can do what you can to protect your properties from the high wind and rain, but also be prepared should the worst happen.
Please read our guidance below.
Preventing Storm or Flood Damage:
- Keep your fences and boundary walls in good condition.
- Make sure that drain pipes and gutters are properly fixed in place and maintained.
- Keep gutters and drains clear so that rain water can drain away.
- Ensure that any slipped/cracked slates and tiles are fixed or replaced as soon as possible.
- Cut back any large branches (especially dead ones) which overhang your home or outbuildings.
- Look out for cracked or loose cement around ridge tiles or chimneys and get them repaired.
- Remember that felt flat roofs only have a limited life expectancy and they need to be regularly checked.
- Replace any blown brickwork and fill cracks in rendering.
- Keep external woodwork in good condition and renew weatherproof coatings on a regular basis.
- Back up your computer to avoid the loss of any sentimental material (such as family photos). Both lightning and flood damage could wipe your computer’s hard drive.
- Make sure that all valuables are locked safely away, preferably in a waterproof container kept on an upper floor.
- In certain areas which are commonly affected by storm or flood, Keep an emergency kit ready and ensure it is kept somewhere easy to get to. Any kit should include: A torch, Canned food and portable cooking equipment, Bottled water, Portable radio, along with spare batteries, Blankets, waterproof clothing and boots, A list of local emergency numbers (e.g. the council), Your insurance details and a First Aid kit
When faced with inevitable storm or flood conditions
- Put your temporary flood protection measures in place, for example put sandbags down, airbrick covers on and place floorboards over windows and doors.
- Remember to keep your garden clear of any hazardous loose objects, as these could damage windows etc. Potential hazards include garden furniture, children’s play equipment (such as slides) or building material. Tie down garden furniture too large to store in sheds.
- Lightning can travel along phone and electrical lines, so if there is the threat of a thunderstorm, unplug electrical items, phones and computers (internet connections).
- If possible, roll up carpets and move them upstairs.
- Move your furniture upstairs. If some pieces are too heavy to carry (for instance, fridge/freezers or tables), try to raise them on bricks, heavy wood or blocks.
- Make sure that you keep pets indoors, as they could be harmed by rising water levels, which could contain sewage.
Advice following storm or flood damage
- Carry out any temporary repairs to prevent further damage but don’t put yourself at risk, and make sure you keep any receipts or invoices for work carried out. However, don’t use your own tradesman for full repairs unless you have been advised by your insurers to do so.
- It is always a good idea to make a list of any items damaged and to take photos of the damage where possible.
- In flooded properties please ensure that electrics are isolated and be careful about turning them back on without advice from a qualified electrical contractor.
- You should ensure your safety and keep clear of areas of loose roof coverings or damaged walls.
- If it is safe to do so, salvage your belongings to prevent further damage – but without putting yourself at personal risk.
- If there is water coming into the property and it’s safe to do so, move contents to upper floors or higher areas to prevent further damage.
- Contact us as soon as practicably possible
If you require any advice please contact us on 0345 216 3000, during our office being closed, please contact our out of office emergency number 07710 271929 or call your insurers directly following the advice in your policy schedule.
Up to date weather warnings can be found at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/#?tab=map&map=Warnings&zoom=5&lon=-3.50&lat=55.50&fcTime=1447286400
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