With river levels rising across the county of Cumbria and the risk of flooding now extremely high, property loss assessing specialist, Property Claim Assist, has some useful advice for Cumbrian homeowners.
Firstly, the expert suggests taking stock of the ground floor possessions, which you could move upstairs, to try to save them from damage. This may require some careful thought.
“The things that cannot be replaced by an insurance policy and which are most distressing to lose are those that come with memories.” says Property Claim Assist director, Gary Rogers.
On that basis, ensure that any precious photo albums or mementos, sentimental possessions, pictures of family members, important documents and, of course, pets, are moved to safety on a higher level of the property, if possible. This should include pets kept outside, such as rabbits in hutches. Don’t forget to take any medication that you require and have a first aid kit with you, if you can.
“Consider that you may have to stay upstairs until water recedes, so try to take some tins of food, cereal or anything other food that will keep you fed, some plates, some drinking water and, if you have no bottled water, pans of clean tap water and buckets of water for lavatory flushing. If you have a baby, move all the baby food, nappies and other items that you need.”
“We would also suggest that you print off a copy of your insurance documents, if you only hold them digitally, to have a hard copy with you, with all the contact details you require, so you are not reliant on trying to access a computer that may not have power after a short time. If you have a camera, charge that up too, as you should photograph any items damaged by flood water, when it is safe for you to do so.”
From there, Property Claim Assist suggests moving collectors’ pieces and things that will be of practical use, for warmth or something to do. Electrical items and furniture can be easily replaced through an insurance policy, if you have contents insurance.
Other things to move up to a higher level would be a battery-powered or wind-up radio, so you can keep in contact with the latest flood news and a torch plus batteries, If you have battery packs that can supply power to mobile phones or computers, charge those up whilst you can prior to flooding, so as to keep your devices running and give you some contact with the Environment Agency, police and other people, if your computer or phone run out of power.
This is vitally important, as the moment there is any chance of flood water entering the property, you must turn off gas, electricity and water supplies. Electrical appliances should be unplugged and you should try to disconnect washing machines and dishwashers and any other equipment using water. Never stand in flood water and touch anything electrical, if the power is still on. Put plugs into sinks, wash basins and baths and weight those down with something heavy.
Should you have to venture into the flood water downstairs, be very careful and wear wellies and rubber gloves. Wash your hands, if they make contact with the water, as this may contain sewage and animal waste. Do not try to wade through water outside, unless there is someone there to evacuate you safely. Just six inches of fast-flowing flood water can knock an adult over and two feet of flood water can move a car.
“If your property floods, contact your insurance company as soon as possible,” advises Property Claims Assist director, Simon Colburn.
“Also remember that it is your right to appoint your own loss assessor to handle your property insurance claim and negotiate with the insurer’s loss adjuster, who is there to contain the cost of the claim for the insurer, not act for you. Calling a loss assessor, at the same time that you advise your insurer of your loss, can be advantageous. This levels the playing field for you, giving you an expert in your corner, and also takes the stress of trying to understand the process, the jargon and policy wordings off your shoulders, at what is already a hugely distressing time.”
“If you instruct Property Claim Assist, it can also cost you nothing for this very helpful service and access to all of the professionals who can help you get back on your feet as fast as possible, drying out, cleaning and surveying your property and handling all of the repairs through high-quality tradespeople. Above all, this service will aim to ensure you get a fair settlement from your insurer, according to the policy that you bought.”
To access this invaluable help, which can come free-of-charge to you, you can call 0333 577 2720. More information is at www.propertyclaimassist.co.uk
