How to manage your flood risk.

As recent years have shown, heavy rain can bring devastating floods. Whilst this is particularly bad in the winter months with the addition of snow and sleet as well as rain, throughout history there have been incidents of destructive floods occurring throughout the year. Most notably are Boscastle in 2004, the Cumbrian floods of 2009 and more recently Bournemouth, Dorset in the summer of 2011.
 
Floods are usually unpredictable and so it's impossible to eliminate the risk and damage they cause not only to property but also to individuals and their livelihoods.
 
Be Prepared
Firstly find out a little history on where your property or business lies, for example how close are the nearest rivers, streams or known flood plains? Are you in a low lying area or has there been any previous flooding? Does your property have underground areas such as basements or cellars? These types of questions will help you assess the properties level of risk and the extent to which you may need preventative measures in place. Below are some simple steps you can take to help reduce damage, such as:

• Ensure your emergency/disaster recovery plans include a section on flooding which contains the details of your insurance provider, their emergency telephone number and policy details, contact information for your local council and the emergency services
• Consider signing up to flood alert warnings such as the Environment Agency Flood Alert Scheme
• Carry out routine annual inspection and maintenance of drainage systems including guttering, down pipes and drains
• Raise or relocate essential equipment, stock, telecoms and computer equipment and sockets if they are in the lower part of your buildings. If this is not possible, can their control panels be isolated and moved to higher areas?
• Water retardant plasters and wall linings should be used where possible along with stone/plastic floorings and tiled or water resistant wall coverings

If you have received a warning that flooding may be imminent in your area, without putting anyone else’s life at risk, you may want to consider:

• Turning off gas, electricity and water supplies at the mains (if possible, ensure power is maintained to alarm and/or security systems)
• unplugging electrical items and moving them out of waters reach
• moving furniture or other items out of basements or to higher levels
• If you have or are given sandbags, use them to stem any possible flow of water into your property
• It is important to always cooperate with the emergency services and get yourselves to a safe area as quickly as possible – remembering not to walk or drive through flood waters which could easily sweep you or your vehicle downstream.

How your insurance can help
Ensure the safety of anyone accessing your property by making sure the gas and electric are not used until checked by a qualified professional. You will then need to contact us, we will be able to give you the guidance and provide access to any specialist services you may need.

It will help us to deal with your claim if you take photos of any damage to the buildings or contents and where possible not dispose of any items that you will be claiming for until you are advised to do so.

It is essential to have the correct insurance cover in place before disaster strikes, so when next reviewing your insurance you may want to think about the following:

• Standard contracts. It is important that your property is insured for the full rebuilding cost, otherwise you will only be able to claim the cost of what is insured, regardless of the damage.
• Contents can be insured for 'replacement', or 'indemnity'. Indemnity cover deducts the cost of wear and tear when settling a claim. Replacement as new is more expensive, but may be a better option.
• Choose the right 'business interruption' policy. This will cover against loss of profit and higher overheads caused by flooding. Choosing the right level and mix is essential to helping you back on your feet as quickly and easily as possible.

If you'd like to find out more about how Towergate MIA can help you with your insurance, please give us a call on 01438 739739.